Core i5-560M vs Pentium G3260T

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 Pentium G3260T 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 Pentium G3260T: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Pentium G3260T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Pentium G3260T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium G3260T

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,878 vs 1,894).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-560M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560M better than Pentium G3260T?

Yes. Core i5-560M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better 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 0.0% 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 0.9% 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 $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G3260T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-560M vs Pentium G3260T 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.

Pentium G3260T

The Pentium G3260T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,878 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-560M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3260T's 2 cores. The Core i5-560M is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Pentium G3260T's 1,878 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-560M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-560M vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260T.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Pentium G3260T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.9 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,894	1,878
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	950	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3260T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Pentium G3260T
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M) / not specified (Pentium G3260T). The Core i5-560M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Pentium G3260T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.