Core i5-560UM vs Pentium 2117U

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 i5-560UM vs Pentium 2117U 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 i5-560UM vs Pentium 2117U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-560UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Pentium 2117U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Pentium 2117U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 2117U

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,009 vs 1,015).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-560UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560UM better than Pentium 2117U?

Yes. Core i5-560UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-560UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i5-560UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i5-560UM is the better buy right now. Core i5-560UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2117U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-560UM vs Pentium 2117U Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium 2117U

The Pentium 2117U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,009 points. Launch price was $134.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-560UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 2117U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core i5-560UM versus 1.8 GHz on the Pentium 2117U — a 16.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-560UM (base: 1.33 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-560UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium 2117U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560UM scores 1,015 against the Pentium 2117U's 1,009 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-560UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-560UM vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 2117U.

Feature	Core i5-560UM	Pentium 2117U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.13 GHz+18%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	1.8 GHz+35%
L3 Cache	3 MB+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,015	1,009

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 2117U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-560UM	Pentium 2117U
Socket	BGA1288	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-560UM) / not specified (Pentium 2117U). The Core i5-560UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Pentium 2117U requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-560UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.