Core i5-560M vs Core i5-2510E
Core i5-560M
Core i5-2510E
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 i5-560M is positioned at rank 1121 and the Core i5-2510E is on rank 1131, so the Core i5-560M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-560M
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2510E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-560M | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-560M | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+646%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i5-560M and Core i5-2510E
Core i5-560M
The Core i5-560M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 1,894 points. Launch price was $225.
Core i5-2510E
The Core i5-2510E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 1,884 points. Launch price was $266.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-560M and Core i5-2510E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2510E — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-560M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2510E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Core i5-2510E's 1,884 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-560M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 527, a 15.8% lead for the Core i5-2510E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-560M | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+3% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+6% | 2.5 GHz |
| 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) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,894 | 1,884 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 450 | 527+17% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 950 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core i5-2510E supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,PM55,QM57 (Core i5-560M) and HM65,QM67 (Core i5-2510E).
| Feature | Core i5-560M | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2510E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2510E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop, Core i5-2510E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660; Core i5-2510E rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core i5-560M | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Laptop | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-560M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-2510E debuted at $230.
| Feature | Core i5-560M | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-2% | $230 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $30 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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