2500 vs 2500k

[PhantomTrooper]

I know 2500K has unlocked processor, but how much of an advantage will the unlocked CPU be when overclocking on P67 chipset?

 

[pantsaregood]

You can't really overclock any Sandy Bridge CPUs without an unlocked multiplier. Overclocking the base clock will quickly cause instability.

 

[StrangerGuy]

I know 2500K has unlocked processor, but how much of an advantage will the unlocked CPU be when overclocking on P67 chipset?

1 core -4.1 GHz max
2 core -4.0 GHz max
3 core -3.9 GHz max
4 core -3.8 GHz max

In short, get the K version.

 

[Edrick]

You can't really overclock any Sandy Bridge CPUs without an unlocked multiplier. Overclocking the base clock will quickly cause instability.

Why do people keep saying incorrect things like this? If you don't know, then why post.

All non-K versions can be OCed up to 5 bins over stock. Which is not as much as the K version, but a free 500mhz is not too bad.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Just think of the resale value between the 2500 & 2500K

I would imagine the K would quickly sell and bring a little bit more money than the non-K version.

just my 2c

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Greater overclocking ability and the Intel HD 3000 graphics are the two biggest advantages that the Intel® Core™ I5-2500K has over the Intel Core I5-2500. There are a couple other differences that the Intel Core I5-2500 between the Intel Core I5-2500K but they are designed more for a business environment. You can see a list of the differences http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=52210,52209,.
As far as overclocking on the Intel Core I5-2500, I thought that it topped off at 4 bins (I maybe mistaken) but you still wouldn't be able to get past 4GHz. On the Intel Core I5-2500K I know that there are people out there that are reaching 4.5GHz on air.

 

[Lonyo]

Considering the price difference ($5 if you order today from Newegg), there's no reason to get the non-K unless you need the VT stuff.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

I know 2500K has unlocked processor, but how much of an advantage will the unlocked CPU be when overclocking on P67 chipset?

with decent aftermarket cooling you should be able to easily hit 4.4-4.6GHz on the 2500K. On the vanilla 2500 you're looking at 3.8GHz max.

High end air cooling can potentially even net you 4.8+GHz on the K version

for home use there really isn't much reason not to go with the K versions unless you're simply not going to overclock at all, ever.

 

[jimhsu]

I overclock conservatively, and 4.5GHz is completely stable at 1.27v. Never see temperatures exceed 50C. I use it for quite a lot of scientific apps as well as gaming.

The new 2500Ks really do scale up well. 5 GHz is the "new" 4 GHz that people in forums like xtremesystems are shooting for.