CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2405S vs Intel Core i5-2450P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2405S is a specialized 65W quad-core processor that distinguishes itself from the i5-2400S through its integrated graphics. While sharing the same 2.5 GHz base clock and 3.3 GHz turbo boost, Intel equipped this chip with the Intel HD 3000 graphics processor instead of the HD 2000. The HD 3000 features 12 Execution Units, doubling the graphics rendering capabilities. This made the i5-2405S an ideal choice for small form factor business PCs that required slightly better graphical throughput for entry-level 3D applications or dual-display setups without adding a dedicated GPU.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
CPU performance is identical to the i5-2400S, adequate for legacy apps.
Slightly faster than the i5-2400 in CPU-bound legacy tasks.
Gaming
HD 3000 can handle very old games, but nothing modern.
Excellent for pre-2015 games when paired with a capable mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
VM performance is constrained by the 4-thread limit.
Good for headless server virtualization where iGPU is not needed.
Efficiency
Excellent power metrics for a quad-core chip of its era.
More efficient per watt than GPU-enabled Sandy Bridge parts under CPU load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- No integrated AI hardware
- CPU too slow for practical AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 3000 is noticeably faster than HD 2000 in legacy titles
- Still lacks DirectX 12 support
- Not viable for 3D gaming past 2012 standards
- Slightly higher clocks reduce CPU bottlenecks compared to i5-2400
- Requires a discrete GPU; system will not boot without one
- Handles Minecraft with heavy shaders well when paired with a modern budget GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics
- Quick Sync Video support
- Low 65W power draw
- Full 6 MB L3 cache
Cons
- Rare and potentially expensive on the used market
- No Hyper-Threading
- Lower clocks than standard 95W parts
- Lacks AVX2
- Not Windows 11 compatible
Pros
- No wasted power on unused integrated graphics
- Higher clocks than the i5-2400
- Runs cooler than the i5-2500
- Excellent value on the used market
- Great for retro-gaming
Cons
- Absolutely requires a discrete GPU
- No Intel Quick Sync video encoding
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- No AVX2 support
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-2405S
- AMD A8-3850Rival
Desktop APU
- AMD A6-3670Rival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400SRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-2125Rival
Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 860TRival
Desktop
Better CPU clocks and better graphics within the same 65W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD A10-5700Alt
Newer APU platform with significantly better graphics.
- Intel Core i7-2600SAlt
Adds Hyper-Threading for better multi-tasking.
- Intel Xeon E3-1245Alt
Similar HD 3000 graphics but in an 80W standard-power package.
Intel Core i5-2450P
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 980Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-3450Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4170Rival
Desktop
Similar performance but includes an iGPU as a backup.
Compare head-to-head- AMD FX-6300Alt
Offers more threads for multi-threaded tasks on the AM3+ platform.
- Intel Xeon E3-1230 v2Alt
Ivy Bridge Xeon with no iGPU and Hyper-Threading.
- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
Adds Hyper-Threading for better multitasking in the same socket.
Our Verdict on Each
A niche OEM processor that offered better integrated graphics in a low-power package, now mostly useful for exact-match legacy repairs.
Best for: Replacing a failed CPU in a 2011 Apple iMac or premium AIO
Read the full reviewThe best Sandy Bridge i5 for pure CPU performance on a budget, provided you already own a dedicated graphics card.
Best for: Building a budget retro-gaming PC with a spare discrete GPU
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2405S or Intel Core i5-2450P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-2450P comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-2405S or Intel Core i5-2450P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-2450P leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i5-2405S and Intel Core i5-2450P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2405S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-2405S (65 W), Intel Core i5-2450P (95 W).
Do Intel Core i5-2405S and Intel Core i5-2450P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2450P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2405S (2,400), Intel Core i5-2450P (3,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.