Core i5-655K vs Core i7-920XM

Core i5-655K

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 3.46 GHz2010

Core i7-920XM

4 Cores8 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i5-655K

2 / 4

2,017

+0.1%

2,014

0.0%

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 i7-920XM is on rank 876, so the Core i7-920XM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-655K

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

33374%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

31535%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

22897%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6898%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5464%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4780%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2738%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2702%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2460%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2460%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2432%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2367%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2334%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2324%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2303%

#1004

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

100%

#1005

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

100%

#1006

Core 2 Duo E4600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $9.6

99%

#1008

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

99%

#1009

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

98%

#1010

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

98%

#1011

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

97%

#1012

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

96%

#1013

Core i5-670

MSRP: $284|Avg: $100

96%

#1014

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

95%

#1015

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

95%

#1017

Core 2 Duo E4500

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

94%

#1019

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-920XM

#864

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1457%

#865

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1435%

#866

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1318%

#867

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1312%

#868

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1300%

#870

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1255%

#871

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1204%

#872

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1202%

#873

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1169%

#876

Core i7-920XM

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#877

Microsoft SQ1

MSRP: $300|Avg: $180

100%

#879

Core i5-6440HQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

100%

#882

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

99%

#884

Athlon II N330

MSRP: $100|Avg: $50

99%

#889

Core i7-7820EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $378

98%

#890

Celeron 7305

MSRP: $128|Avg: $107

98%

#891

E-300

MSRP: $60|Avg: $20

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core i5-655K delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i7-920XM in both compute-intensive tasks (0.1% faster) and gaming workloads.

Insight	Core i5-655K	Core i7-920XM
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($55)	✅ More affordable ($0)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Insight	Core i5-655K	Core i7-920XM
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($55)	✅ More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i5-655K Benchmark Check

Core i7-920XM Benchmark Check

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-655K and Core i7-920XM

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 i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 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: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-655K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-920XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-920XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-655K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i7-920XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+8%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,017	2,014
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-920XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-655K versus 1333 on the Core i7-920XM — the Core i7-920XM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-655K supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 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 PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i7-920XM
Socket	LGA1156	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333+44333%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+209715100%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	❌
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-655K) vs true (Core i7-920XM). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core i7-920XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.