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.

Celeron M 560 vs Core i5-655K FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Celeron M 560 vs Core i5-655K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron M 560

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $130 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Delivers 150.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.3 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 73W, a 72W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,008 vs 2,017).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-655K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Celeron M 560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($216 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
❌7200% higher power demand at 73W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-655K better than Celeron M 560?

Yes. Core i5-655K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-655K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-655K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-655K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-655K comes in 151.2% more expensive on MSRP at $216 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron M 560 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 150.0% better value on paper (23.3 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA478.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-655K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron M 560 vs Core i5-655K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Celeron M 560

The Celeron M 560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.13 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,008 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-655K

The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Celeron M 560 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core i5-655K offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-655K has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Celeron M 560 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K — a 47.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K. The Celeron M 560 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-655K uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron M 560 scores 2,008 against the Core i5-655K's 2,017 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-655K.

Feature	Celeron M 560	Core i5-655K
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	2 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.13 GHz	3.46 GHz+62%
Base Clock	—	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,008	2,017
Geekbench 6 Single	—	560
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,250

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron M 560 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-655K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 667 on the Celeron M 560 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-655K — the Core i5-655K supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-655K supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron M 560) vs 16 (Core i5-655K) — the Core i5-655K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL960,GM965 (Celeron M 560) and H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K).

Feature	Celeron M 560	Core i5-655K
Socket	PGA478	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	667	DDR3-1333+100%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: false (Celeron M 560) vs VT-x (Core i5-655K). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Celeron M 560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron M 560 rivals Mobile Sempron 3600+.

Feature	Celeron M 560	Core i5-655K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	false	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron M 560 was priced at $86, while the Core i5-655K came in at $216. On launch pricing ($86 vs $216), Celeron M 560 was $130 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron M 560 delivers 23.3 pts/$ vs 9.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-655K — making the Celeron M 560 the 85.7% better value option.

Feature	Celeron M 560	Core i5-655K
MSRP	$86-60%	$216
Performance per Dollar	23.3+151%	9.3
Release Date	2008	2010

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