Core i5-460M vs Core i5-480M

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 i5-460M vs Core i5-480M 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 i5-460M vs Core i5-480M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-460M

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $1 less on MSRP ($80 MSRP vs $81 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,321 vs 1,327).

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌
1.3% HIGHER MSRP
$81 MSRPvs$80 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-480M better than Core i5-460M?

Yes. Core i5-480M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.5% 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 i5-480M has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 4.6% higher max boost clock.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-480M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-480M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-480M comes in 1.3% more expensive on MSRP at $81 MSRP versus $80 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% higher PassMark. Core i5-460M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 0.8% better value on paper (16.5 vs 16.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i5-480M 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 i5-460M vs Core i5-480M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-460M

The Core i5-460M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,321 points. Launch price was $80.

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-460M and Core i5-480M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-460M versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-480M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-460M scores 1,321 against the Core i5-480M's 1,327 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-480M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-460M	Core i5-480M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.93 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	2.66 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,321	1,327
Geekbench 6 Single	343	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to 1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-460M) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-480M).

Feature	Core i5-460M	Core i5-480M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1066	1066
Max RAM Capacity	8	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-460M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-480M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-460M rivals AMD Turion II M620; Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

Feature	Core i5-460M	Core i5-480M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-460M was priced at $80, while the Core i5-480M came in at $81. On launch pricing ($80 vs $81), Core i5-460M was $1 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-460M delivers 16.5 pts/$ vs 16.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-480M — making the Core i5-460M the 0.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-460M	Core i5-480M
MSRP	$80-1%	$81
Performance per Dollar	16.5	16.4
Release Date	2010	2011

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