Core i5-580M vs Phenom II X4 805

Intel

Core i5-580M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 805

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Core i5-580M vs Phenom II X4 805 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 i5-580M vs Phenom II X4 805 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 i5-580M vs Phenom II X4 805: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Phenom II X4 805 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,983 vs 2,001).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Phenom II X4 805

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-580M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-580M better than Phenom II X4 805?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-580M is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 805 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark. Phenom II X4 805 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 805 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-580M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-580M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-580M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-580M vs Phenom II X4 805 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-580M

The Core i5-580M 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 3.33 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

AMD

Phenom II X4 805

The Phenom II X4 805 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 9 February 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,001 points. Launch price was $174.

Processing Power

The Core i5-580M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 805 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 805 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom II X4 805 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-580M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-580M scores 1,983 against the Phenom II X4 805's 2,001 — a 0.9% lead for the Phenom II X4 805. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M vs 4 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 805.

FeatureCore i5-580MPhenom II X4 805
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.33 GHz+33%
2.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.66 GHz+6%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
1,983
2,001
Geekbench 6 Single
445
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-580M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-580MPhenom II X4 805
Socket
PGA988
AM3
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, EPT (Core i5-580M) / not specified (Phenom II X4 805). The Core i5-580M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Phenom II X4 805 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.

FeatureCore i5-580MPhenom II X4 805
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Laptop