CPU
GPU
Core i5-560UM
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
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 i5-560UM is positioned at rank 1224 and the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is on rank 1053, so the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-560UM
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-560UM | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-560UM | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2412%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 i5-560UM and Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Core i5-560UM
The Core i5-560UM 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 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,015 points. Launch price was $250.
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-560UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon 64 X2 3600+'s 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core i5-560UM versus 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-560UM. The Core i5-560UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560UM scores 1,015 against the Athlon 64 X2 3600+'s 1,020 — a 0.5% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 3600+. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-560UM vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+.
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz+6% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.33 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-64% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,015 | 1,020 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-560UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-560UM versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ — the Core i5-560UM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-560UM) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) — the Core i5-560UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-560UM) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+).
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800+39900% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-560UM) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 3600+). The Core i5-560UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-560UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-560UM launched at $250 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ debuted at $150.
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $150-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $10 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2005 |
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