Core i5-2500S vs Core i7-6560U

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 i5-2500S vs Core i7-6560U 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 i5-2500S vs Core i7-6560U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2500S

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-6560U needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-6560U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $192 MSRP, while Core i7-6560U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.

Core i7-6560U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-2500S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,347 vs 3,373).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2500S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2500S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2500S better than Core i7-6560U?

Yes. Core i5-2500S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2500S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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, Core i5-2500S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i5-2500S is the better buy right now. Core i5-2500S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $192 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6560U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2500S vs Core i7-6560U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2500S

The Core i5-2500S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 3,373 points. Launch price was $75.

Core i7-6560U

The Core i7-6560U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,347 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2500S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-6560U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2500S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500S versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-6560U — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-2500S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-6560U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500S scores 3,373 against the Core i7-6560U's 3,347 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-2500S. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500S vs 4 MB on the Core i7-6560U.

Feature	Core i5-2500S	Core i7-6560U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+16%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+23%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)+50%	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,373	3,347
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2500S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-6560U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2500S	Core i7-6560U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2500S) / not specified (Core i7-6560U). The Core i5-2500S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-6560U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500S rivals Phenom II X4 980.