Core i3-3229Y vs Core i5-560UM

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 i3-3229Y vs Core i5-560UM 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 i3-3229Y vs Core i5-560UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3229Y

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,014 vs 1,015).
❌2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.

Core i5-560UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i3-3229Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560UM better than Core i3-3229Y?

Yes. Core i5-560UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-560UM has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 52.1% higher max boost clock.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-560UM is the better buy right now. Core i5-560UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% higher PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3229Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3229Y vs Core i5-560UM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3229Y

The Core i3-3229Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,014 points. Launch price was $250.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3229Y and Core i5-560UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core i3-3229Y versus 2.13 GHz on the Core i5-560UM — a 41.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-560UM (base: 1.4 GHz vs 1.33 GHz). The Core i3-3229Y uses the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-560UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3229Y scores 1,014 against the Core i5-560UM's 1,015 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-560UM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3229Y vs 3 MB on the Core i5-560UM.

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Core i5-560UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	2.13 GHz+52%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz+5%	1.33 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-Y (2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,014	1,015
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3229Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-560UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-3229Y versus 800 on the Core i5-560UM — the Core i3-3229Y supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3229Y 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: HM77,UM77 (Core i3-3229Y) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-560UM).

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Core i5-560UM
Socket	BGA1023	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+100%	800
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: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3229Y) vs true (Core i5-560UM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3229Y) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-560UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3229Y targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3229Y rivals Athlon Silver 3050GE; Core i5-560UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.