Core i5-655K vs Core i7-920XM

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 i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM: 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

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Core i7-920XM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $216 MSRP, while Core i7-920XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌32.7% higher power demand at 73W vs 55W.

Core i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 73W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,017).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-655K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-655K better than Core i7-920XM?

Yes. Core i5-655K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 2.7% more average FPS across 37 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.

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 at an unclear MSRP at $216 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-655K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-655K vs Core i7-920XM 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 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.

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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	—

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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. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-655K supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% 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
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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.