Core i5-655K vs Core i3-2102
Core i5-655K
Core i3-2102
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 i5-655K is positioned at rank 1004 and the Core i3-2102 is on rank 857, so the Core i3-2102 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-655K
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2102
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-655K | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-655K | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+269%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 i5-655K and Core i3-2102
Core i5-655K
The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-2102
The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-655K and Core i3-2102 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2102 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Core i3-2102's 2,029 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2102. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 560 vs 515, a 8.4% lead for the Core i5-655K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,250 vs 1,082 (14.4% advantage for the Core i5-655K). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+12% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+3% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,017 | 2,029 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 560+9% | 515 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,250+16% | 1,082 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2102 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2102 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K) and H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102).
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-655K) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2102) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop, Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Office Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-655K launched at $216 MSRP, while the Core i3-2102 debuted at $117. At current prices ($55 vs $15), the Core i3-2102 is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-655K delivers 36.7 pts/$ vs 135.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-2102 — making the Core i3-2102 the 114.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $216 | $117-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $55 | $15-73% |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.7 | 135.3+269% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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