
Core i3-3130M

Core i5-560M
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 Core i3-3130M is positioned at rank 22 and the Core i5-560M is on rank 1121, so the Core i3-3130M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3130M
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-560M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3130M | Core i5-560M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3130M | Core i5-560M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Core i3-3130M and Core i5-560M

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.
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 |
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 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3130M supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% 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+53233% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 8 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3130M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-560M debuted at $225.
| Feature | Core i3-3130M | Core i5-560M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $225 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2010 |
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