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 i7-2637M 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 i7-2637M: 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

✅+28.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $64 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.4 vs 6.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌105.9% higher power demand at 35W vs 17W.

Core i7-2637M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 35W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (350 vs 450).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (628 vs 950).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.5 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($289 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560M better than Core i7-2637M?

Yes. Core i5-560M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 51.3% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.3% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-560M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i5-560M is the stronger fit. You are getting 51.3% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 $64 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $289 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 28.8% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 6.5 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2637M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-560M vs Core i7-2637M 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 i7-2637M

The Core i7-2637M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,889 points. Launch price was $289.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-560M and Core i7-2637M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-2637M — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i5-560M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2637M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Core i7-2637M's 1,889 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-560M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 350, a 25% lead for the Core i5-560M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 950 vs 628 (40.8% advantage for the Core i5-560M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-560M vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2637M.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i7-2637M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+14%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+56%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,894	1,889
Geekbench 6 Single	450+29%	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	950+51%	628

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2637M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-560M versus 1333 on the Core i7-2637M — the Core i7-2637M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,PM55,QM57 (Core i5-560M) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2637M).

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i7-2637M
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M) vs true (Core i7-2637M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2637M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i7-2637M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Laptop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-560M was priced at $225, while the Core i7-2637M came in at $289. On launch pricing ($225 vs $289), Core i5-560M was $64 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-560M delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 6.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-2637M — making the Core i5-560M the 25.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core i7-2637M
MSRP	$225-22%	$289
Performance per Dollar	8.4+29%	6.5
Release Date	2010	2011

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