Core i5-655K vs Core i5-2430M

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 i5-655K vs Core i5-2430M 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 i5-655K vs Core i5-2430M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $9 less on MSRP ($216 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,017).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌
4.2% HIGHER MSRP
$225 MSRPvs$216 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-655K better than Core i5-2430M?

Yes. Core i5-655K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-655K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% more average FPS across 34 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-655K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 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 i5-655K is the better buy right now. Core i5-655K comes in $9 cheaper on MSRP at $216 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4.3% better value on MSRP (9.3 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-2430M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-655K vs Core i5-2430M Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-655K and Core i5-2430M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 14.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2430M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-655K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i5-2430M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+15%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+33%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,017	2,015
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2430M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i5-2430M
Socket	LGA1156	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-655K) vs true (Core i5-2430M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-655K) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i5-2430M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-655K was priced at $216, while the Core i5-2430M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($216 vs $225), Core i5-655K was $9 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-655K delivers 9.3 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2430M — making the Core i5-655K the 4.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i5-2430M
MSRP	$216-4%	$225
Performance per Dollar	9.3+3%	9.0
Release Date	2010	2011

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