CPU
GPU
Core i5-3317U
Core i5-655K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3317U is positioned at rank 932 and the Core i5-655K is on rank 1004, so the Core i5-3317U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3317U
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-655K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3317U | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3317U | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3317U and Core i5-655K
Core i5-3317U
The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.
Core i5-655K
The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3317U and Core i5-655K share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K — a 28.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-3317U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-655K uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3317U scores 2,014 against the Core i5-655K's 2,017 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-655K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3317U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K.
| Feature | Core i5-3317U | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.46 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz+88% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,014 | 2,017 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 560 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,250 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3317U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-655K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3317U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-655K — the Core i5-3317U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3317U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3317U) and H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K).
| Feature | Core i5-3317U | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 16 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3317U) vs VT-x (Core i5-655K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3317U) and Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-655K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.
| Feature | Core i5-3317U | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-3317U and Core i5-655K
