Core i5-560M vs Core i5-2515E

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 i5-560M vs Core i5-2515E 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 i5-560M vs Core i5-2515E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-560M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (450 vs 530).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-2515E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-2515E

2011

Why buy it

✅+17.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,882 vs 1,894).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560M better than Core i5-2515E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2515E is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560M pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-560M is the better buy right now. Core i5-560M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2515E is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2515E 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 i5-560M vs Core i5-2515E Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-2515E

The Core i5-2515E 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 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-560M and Core i5-2515E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i5-2515E — a 24.6% 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 i5-2515E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Core i5-2515E's 1,882 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-560M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 530, a 16.3% lead for the Core i5-2515E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i5-2515E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+28%	2.5 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	1,882
Geekbench 6 Single	450	530+18%
Geekbench 6 Multi	950	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2515E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-560M versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2515E — the Core i5-2515E supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2515E supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% 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 i5-2515E).

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i5-2515E
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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 i5-2515E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2515E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop, Core i5-2515E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660; Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i5-2515E
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

At launch, the Core i5-560M was priced at $225, while the Core i5-2515E came in at $0. On launch pricing ($225 vs $0), Core i5-2515E was $225 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i5-2515E
MSRP	$225	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	8.4	—
Release Date	2010	2011

Search Core i5-560M on Amazon

Search Core i5-2515E on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.