CPU
GPU
Core i5-560UM
Pentium B950
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 Pentium B950 is on rank 1142, so the Pentium B950 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 Pentium B950
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-560UM | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-560UM | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+619%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-560UM and Pentium B950
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 B950
The Pentium B950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 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: 1,022 points. Launch price was $134.
Processing Power
The Core i5-560UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium B950's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core i5-560UM versus 2.1 GHz on the Pentium B950 — a 1.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-560UM (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-560UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium B950 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560UM scores 1,015 against the Pentium B950's 1,022 — a 0.7% lead for the Pentium B950. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-560UM vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B950.
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz+1% | 2.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.33 GHz | 2.1 GHz+58% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,015 | 1,022 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 379 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 671 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-560UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium B950 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core i5-560UM versus DDR3-1333 on the Pentium B950 — the Core i5-560UM supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium B950 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-560UM) and HM65,HM67 (Pentium B950).
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800+26567% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-560UM) vs VT-x (Pentium B950). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-560UM) and Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Pentium B950) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium B950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-560UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-560UM launched at $250 MSRP, while the Pentium B950 debuted at $134.
| Feature | Core i5-560UM | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $134-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $35 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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