Core i3-5015U vs Core i5-580M

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 i3-5015U vs Core i5-580M 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 i3-5015U vs Core i5-580M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5015U

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,983 vs 1,990).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5015U better than Core i5-580M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-580M is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5015U pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5015U 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 i3-5015U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-5015U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-5015U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 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 i3-5015U vs Core i5-580M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5015U

The Core i3-5015U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,990 points. Launch price was $275.

Core i5-580M

The Core i5-580M 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 3.33 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5015U and Core i5-580M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5015U versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M — a 45.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-5015U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-580M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5015U scores 1,990 against the Core i5-580M's 1,983 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-5015U. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-5015U	Core i5-580M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.33 GHz+59%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.66 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,990	1,983
Geekbench 6 Single	—	445

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5015U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-580M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5015U versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-580M — the Core i3-5015U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-5015U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5015U) vs 16 (Core i5-580M) — the Core i5-580M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-5015U	Core i5-580M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5015U) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5015U) and HD Graphics (Core i5-580M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5015U targets Mobile, Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.