CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-2600S
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.
Still handles basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
HD 3000 can handle very old games, but nothing modern.
HD 2000 is too weak for modern games; needs a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
VM performance is constrained by the 4-thread limit.
Can run light VMs but limited by 65W power profile.
Efficiency
Excellent power metrics for a quad-core chip of its era.
65W TDP was excellent for 2011, but 32nm is outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern 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
- HD 2000 is very weak
- PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs
- Okay for retro gaming with a 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
- Low 65W TDP
- Aggressive turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz
- 4 cores and 8 threads
- Good for SFF builds of its era
Cons
- 32nm process is inefficient today
- Lacks AVX2
- HD 2000 graphics are very weak
- Locked multiplier
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.
Core i7-2600S
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
Standard 95W version with higher base clock.
- Intel Core i7-3770SAlt
Newer Ivy Bridge low-power alternative.
Cheaper, lower power quad-core alternative.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewA smart choice for 2011 SFF builders, offering quad-core performance in a 65W envelope, though heavily outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Maintaining an old HTPC.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2405S or Core i7-2600S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-2600S comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 Core i7-2600S?
For gaming, the Core i7-2600S leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-2405S and Core i7-2600S.
Do Intel Core i5-2405S and Core i7-2600S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-2405S: LGA 1155, Core i7-2600S: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2600S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2405S (2,400), Core i7-2600S (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.