Core i5-2405S vs Phenom II X6 1065T

Intel

Core i5-2405S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X6 1065T

6 Cores6 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i5-2405S vs Phenom II X6 1065T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-2405S vs Phenom II X6 1065T 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 i5-2405S vs Phenom II X6 1065T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2405S

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $117 less on MSRP ($309 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Delivers 37.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.0 vs 8.0 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Phenom II X6 1065T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,397 vs 3,412).

Phenom II X6 1065T

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.0 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
    • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2405S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2405S.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X6 1065T better than Core i5-2405S?
    Yes. Phenom II X6 1065T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X6 1065T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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, Phenom II X6 1065T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X6 1065T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X6 1065T comes in 37.9% more expensive on MSRP at $426 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2405S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 37.3% better value on paper (11.0 vs 8.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i5-2405S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i5-2405S vs Phenom II X6 1065T Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-2405S

    The Core i5-2405S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,397 points. Launch price was $472.

    AMD

    Phenom II X6 1065T

    The Phenom II X6 1065T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,412 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-2405S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X6 1065T offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Phenom II X6 1065T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2405S versus 3.4 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1065T — a 3% clock advantage for the Phenom II X6 1065T (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-2405S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X6 1065T uses Thuban (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2405S scores 3,397 against the Phenom II X6 1065T's 3,412 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom II X6 1065T. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

    FeatureCore i5-2405SPhenom II X6 1065T
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    6 / 6+50%
    Boost Clock
    3.3 GHz
    3.4 GHz+3%
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz
    2.9 GHz+16%
    L3 Cache
    6 MB (total)
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    Process
    32 nm-29%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    Thuban (2010)
    PassMark
    3,397
    3,412
    Geekbench 6 Single
    557
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    1,480
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-2405S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X6 1065T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i5-2405SPhenom II X6 1065T
    Socket
    LGA1155
    AM3
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1333
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Core i5-2405S) / not specified (Phenom II X6 1065T). The Core i5-2405S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom II X6 1065T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2405S targets Budget.

    FeatureCore i5-2405SPhenom II X6 1065T
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics 3000
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x / EPT
    Target Use
    Budget
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i5-2405S was priced at $309, while the Phenom II X6 1065T came in at $426. On launch pricing ($309 vs $426), Core i5-2405S was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2405S delivers 11.0 pts/$ vs 8.0 pts/$ for the Phenom II X6 1065T — making the Core i5-2405S the 31.4% better value option.

    FeatureCore i5-2405SPhenom II X6 1065T
    MSRP
    $309-27%
    $426
    Performance per Dollar
    11.0+38%
    8.0
    Release Date
    2011
    2010

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