Intel Core i5-2500 vs Intel Core i5-4460

The Intel Core i5-4460, based on the Haswell S architecture and manufactured using the 22 nm process, was introduced in the second quarter of 2014 for the mainstream desktop market.

It offers four cores and four threads, 6 MB L3 cache, PCIe 3.0, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 4600. The Intel Core i5-2500, manufactured using the Sandy Bridge S architecture and the 32 nm process, was also released in the first quarter of 2011 for the mainstream desktop segment.

This processor features four cores, four threads, 6 MB L3 cache, PCIe 2.0, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 21 GB/s. The integrated graphics solution is the Intel HD Graphics 2000. The Intel Core i5-4460 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-2500 in single-core and multi-core performance, which is due to its newer architecture.

For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4460 is more advantageous with better single-core performance, superior integrated graphics, and PCIe 3.0. The Intel Core i5-4460 tends to be more energy-efficient thanks to the 22 nm manufacturing process. In the used market, it usually offers a better price-performance ratio due to its higher performance.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-4460 is clearly the better choice for most use cases. The Intel Core i5-2500 is only recommended for very low performance requirements and extremely limited budgets.