Core i3-560 vs Core i3-4005U

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 i3-4005U 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 i3-4005U: 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).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,642 vs 1,652).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i3-4005U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-4005U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4005U better than Core i3-560?

Yes. Core i3-4005U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i3-4005U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4005U 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 i3-4005U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-4005U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-560 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4005U 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 i3-560 vs Core i3-4005U 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 i3-4005U

The Core i3-4005U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,652 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-560 and Core i3-4005U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.33 GHz on the Core i3-560 versus 1.7 GHz on the Core i3-4005U — a 135% clock advantage for the Core i3-4005U (base: 3.33 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-560 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-4005U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-560 scores 1,642 against the Core i3-4005U's 1,652 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-4005U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-560 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4005U.

Feature	Core i3-560	Core i3-4005U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.33 GHz	1.7 GHz+415%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+96%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,642	1,652

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-560 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4005U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.