Core i5-6300U vs Xeon X5560

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 i5-6300U vs Xeon X5560 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 i5-6300U vs Xeon X5560: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6300U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 520, while Xeon X5560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,207 vs 3,231).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5560, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X5560

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6300U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5560 better than Core i5-6300U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6300U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5560 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.4% 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, Xeon X5560 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X5560 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5560 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-6300U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6300U vs Xeon X5560 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	—

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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 60% 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+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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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