Core i5-560M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84

Intel

Core i5-560M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Core i5-560M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-560M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84: 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,886 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84?
Yes. Core i5-560M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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 i5-560M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 0.4% 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 $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-560M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-560M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Puma (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,886 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i5-560M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 2.3 GHz on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 — a 32.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M. The Core i5-560M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 uses Puma (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84's 1,886 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-560M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-560M vs 0 kB on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84.

FeatureCore i5-560MTurion X2 Ultra ZM-84
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+39%
2.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.66 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+12700%
2 MB
Process
32 nm-51%
65 nm
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Puma (2008−2009)
PassMark
1,894
1,886
Geekbench 6 Single
450
Geekbench 6 Multi
950
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 uses S1g2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-560MTurion X2 Ultra ZM-84
Socket
PGA988
S1g2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M) / not specified (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84). The Core i5-560M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

FeatureCore i5-560MTurion X2 Ultra ZM-84
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Laptop