CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2405S vs Intel Core i5-2550K
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.
Marginally faster than the 2500K in multi-threaded tasks due to 100 MHz higher clocks, but still inadequate for modern software.
Gaming
HD 3000 can handle very old games, but nothing modern.
The slight clock bump over the 2500K is imperceptible in games. Still completely obsolete for modern titles.
Virtualization
VM performance is constrained by the 4-thread limit.
Lacks VT-d, and the lack of an iGPU means no iGPU passthrough, reducing its utility in virtualization setups.
Efficiency
Excellent power metrics for a quad-core chip of its era.
Despite the disabled iGPU, power consumption when overclocked is still very high by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2 and modern instruction extensions
- Unable to handle any practical AI workload
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
- Virtually identical gaming performance to an overclocked i5-2500K
- Cannot function without a discrete graphics card
- Modern games are heavily CPU-limited on this architecture
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
- Slightly higher clocks out of the box than the 2500K
- Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking
- Disabled iGPU meant 100% of the die was dedicated to CPU tasks
- Has become a unique collector's piece
- No iGPU driver conflicts for pure discrete GPU systems
Cons
- No integrated graphics whatsoever
- Lost Intel Quick Sync video encoding
- More expensive at launch than the 2500K for negligible gains
- Lacks VT-d
- No Hyper-Threading
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 i5-2550K
- AMD Bulldozer FX-4170Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-2600KRival
Desktop Premium
- AMD FX-6200Rival
Desktop Multi-thread
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570KRival
Next-Gen Enthusiast
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 reviewAn intriguing engineering footnote that disabled the iGPU for theoretical overclocking gains, but its minor clock bump and higher price over the 2500K made it one of the least relevant 'K' series processors Intel ever launched.
Best for: Purchasing as a collector's item to complete a Sandy Bridge CPU collection.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2405S or Intel Core i5-2550K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-2550K 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 i5-2550K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-2550K leads with a gaming performance score of 23/100 among Intel Core i5-2405S and Intel Core i5-2550K.
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 i5-2550K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i5-2405S and Intel Core i5-2550K 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 i5-2550K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2405S (2,400), Intel Core i5-2550K (4,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.