Core i3-560 vs Core i3-2357M

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 i3-560 vs Core i3-2357M 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 i3-560 vs Core i3-2357M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-560

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,642 vs 1,645).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i3-2357M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌329.4% higher power demand at 73W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 73W, a 56W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2357M better than Core i3-560?

Yes. Core i3-2357M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.2% 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 i3-2357M has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 293.9% higher max boost clock.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2357M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2357M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2357M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% higher PassMark. Core i3-560 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i3-2357M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 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 i3-560 vs Core i3-2357M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-560

The Core i3-560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 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: 1,642 points. Launch price was $190.

Core i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-560 and Core i3-2357M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.33 GHz on the Core i3-560 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M — a 119% clock advantage for the Core i3-2357M (base: 3.33 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i3-560 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2357M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-560 scores 1,642 against the Core i3-2357M's 1,645 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2357M. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-560 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M.

Feature	Core i3-560	Core i3-2357M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.33 GHz	1.3 GHz+294%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+156%	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,642	1,645
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	440
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	440

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-560 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2357M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-560	Core i3-2357M
Socket	LGA1156	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-560) / true (Core i3-2357M). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-560 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.