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.

Overview

The Core i5-560M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 1,894 points. Launch price was $225.

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.

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 i5-560M

#330

Core i5-2520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

118%

#331

Core m3-7Y32

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

114%

#332

Core i3-1115GRE

MSRP: $338|Avg: $480

114%

#333

Core i7-2630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

112%

#334

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

112%

#335

Core i7-2635QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

111%

#336

Core i5-3337U

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

110%

#337

Core i5-2450M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

110%

#338

Core i5-7Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

109%

#339

Core 2 Duo SP9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

107%

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

106%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

106%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

103%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

102%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

101%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

99%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

98%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

98%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

97%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

95%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

92%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

92%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

92%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

92%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

91%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

90%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

90%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

90%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

89%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-560M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-560M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-560M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.66 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,894, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 450, while multi-core reaches 950.

Specification	Core i5-560M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.66 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Arrandale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81+114 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	382+177 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,894
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	450
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	950

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-560M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM55,HM57,PM55,QM57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-560M is primarily designed for Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Specification	Core i5-560M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD Turion II Ultra M660

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-560M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

Specification	Core i5-560M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $225, the Core i5-560M delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2631 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-560M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2631
Release DateLaunch date	26 September 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$225
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	26 September 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Arrandale (2010−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2631

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 1.0
Die Size	81+114 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Multiplier	20
Max Frequency	3.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.66 GHz
Transistor Count	382+177 Million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	105 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-