Core i7-5600U vs Core i7-5650U

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 i7-5600U vs Core i7-5650U 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 i7-5600U vs Core i7-5650U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5600U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-5650U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,000 vs 3,011).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-5600U better than Core i7-5650U?

Yes. Core i7-5600U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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 i7-5600U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, Core i7-5600U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-5600U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-5600U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-5600U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-5600U vs Core i7-5650U Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-5600U

The Core i7-5600U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,011 points. Launch price was $393.

Core i7-5650U

The Core i7-5650U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,000 points. Launch price was $426.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-5600U and Core i7-5650U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-5600U versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-5650U — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-5600U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-5600U scores 3,011 against the Core i7-5650U's 3,000 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-5600U. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-5600U	Core i7-5650U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+18%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	3,011	3,000