Athlon 64 X2 3600+ vs Core i5-560UM
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Core i5-560UM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is positioned at rank 1053 and the Core i5-560UM is on rank 1224, so the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-560UM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i5-560UM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i5-560UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2412%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 3600+ and Core i5-560UM
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-560UM
The Core i5-560UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,015 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-560UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ versus 2.13 GHz on the Core i5-560UM — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-560UM. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i5-560UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ scores 1,020 against the Core i5-560UM's 1,015 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 3600+. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ vs 3 MB on the Core i5-560UM.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i5-560UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 2.13 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | — | 1.33 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 90 nm | 32 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Manchester (2005−2006) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,020 | 1,015 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-560UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ versus 800 on the Core i5-560UM — the Core i5-560UM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) vs 16 (Core i5-560UM) — the Core i5-560UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-560UM).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i5-560UM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 939 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 800+39900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) / true (Core i5-560UM). The Core i5-560UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-560UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i5-560UM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ launched at $150 MSRP, while the Core i5-560UM debuted at $250.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i5-560UM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-40% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | — |
| Release Date | 2005 | 2010 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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