Core i5-580M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

Intel

Core i5-580M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Core i5-580M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86: 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

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2008

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,965 vs 1,983).
  • 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86?
Yes. Core i5-580M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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 i5-580M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 i5-580M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
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 0.9% 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 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 i5-580M vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Griffin (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,965 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i5-580M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M versus 2.4 GHz on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 — a 32.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M. The Core i5-580M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses Griffin (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-580M scores 1,983 against the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86's 1,965 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-580M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M vs 0 kB on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86.

FeatureCore i5-580MTurion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3.33 GHz+39%
2.4 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)
Griffin (2008−2009)
PassMark
1,983
1,965
Geekbench 6 Single
445
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-580M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses S1g2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-580M versus DDR2-800 on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 — the Core i5-580M supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-580M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-580M) vs 0 (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86) — the Core i5-580M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-580MTurion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Socket
PGA988
S1g2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066+33%
DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB+100%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M) vs AMD-V (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86). The Core i5-580M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.

FeatureCore i5-580MTurion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
AMD-V
Target Use
Legacy Laptop
Mobile