CPU
GPU
Core i5-6300U
Xeon X5560
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 i5-6300U is positioned at rank 310 and the Xeon X5560 is on rank 687, so the Core i5-6300U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6300U
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5560
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6300U | Xeon X5560 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6300U | Xeon X5560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i5-6300U and Xeon X5560
Core i5-6300U
The Core i5-6300U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,207 points. Launch price was $281.
Xeon X5560
The Xeon X5560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6300U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5560 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X5560 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-6300U versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5560 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-6300U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6300U scores 3,207 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X5560. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-6300U vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560.
| Feature | Core i5-6300U | Xeon X5560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.8 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Gainestown (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,207 | 3,231 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 967 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6300U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5560 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6300U versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5560 — the Core i5-6300U supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-6300U) vs 3 (Xeon X5560). Chipset compatibility: Skylake-U (Core i5-6300U) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5560).
| Feature | Core i5-6300U | Xeon X5560 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-6300U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520), while the Xeon X5560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6300U targets Mainstream Laptop, Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-6300U rivals PRO A12-9800B; Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.
| Feature | Core i5-6300U | Xeon X5560 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 520 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Workstation |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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