Core i3-3130M vs Core i5-560M

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.

Core i3-3130M vs Core i5-560M 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.

Core i3-3130M vs Core i5-560M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3130M

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i5-560M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,894 vs 1,906).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3130M better than Core i5-560M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-560M is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3130M pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3130M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3130M is the better buy right now. Core i3-3130M comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $225 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-560M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.6% better value on MSRP (8.5 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3130M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3130M vs Core i5-560M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3130M

The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-560M

The Core i5-560M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,894 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3130M and Core i5-560M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-3130M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-560M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3130M scores 1,906 against the Core i5-560M's 1,894 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3130M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core i5-560M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.66 GHz+2%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,906	1,894
Geekbench 6 Single	—	450
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	950

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i3-3130M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-560M — the Core i3-3130M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3130M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3130M) and HM55,HM57,PM55,QM57 (Core i5-560M).

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core i5-560M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-3130M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3130M) and Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M; Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core i5-560M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3130M was priced at $225, while the Core i5-560M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($225 vs $225), Core i5-560M was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3130M delivers 8.5 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-560M — making the Core i3-3130M the 0.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core i5-560M
MSRP	$225	$225
Performance per Dollar	8.5+1%	8.4
Release Date	2013	2010

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