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 i5-580M 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 3.33 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-580M is positioned at rank #1215 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i5-580M

#1203

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

6364%

#1204

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

6271%

#1205

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

5757%

#1206

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

5731%

#1207

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

5679%

#1209

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

5484%

#1210

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

5258%

#1211

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

5249%

#1212

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

5108%

#1215

Core i5-580M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#1216

Core 2 Quad Q9000

MSRP: $348|Avg: $15

100%

#1217

Core i5-2537M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

99%

#1218

Core i7-720QM

MSRP: $364|Avg: N/A

99%

#1219

Pentium U5400

MSRP: $289|Avg: $214

97%

#1220

Pentium T2330

MSRP: $150|Avg: $7

96%

#1221

Z-01

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

93%

#1222

Pentium T2310

MSRP: $150|Avg: $14

90%

#1223

Celeron SU2300

MSRP: $134|Avg: $134

88%

#1224

Core i5-560UM

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

88%

#1225

Core i7-660UM

MSRP: $317|Avg: N/A

87%

#1226

C-30

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

87%

#1228

Core i7-620UM

MSRP: $278|Avg: N/A

85%

#1230

Celeron 570

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

82%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-580M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-580M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-580M 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 3.33 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 1,983, 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 445.

Specification	Core i5-580M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.33 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	1,983
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	445

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-580M 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: HD Graphics — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-580M
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	HD Graphics
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM55,PM55,HM57,QM57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-580M is primarily designed for Legacy Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Phenom II X2 N660.

Specification	Core i5-580M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy 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, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Phenom II X2 N660

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-580M 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 i5-580M
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	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #1215 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2591 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-580M
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$266
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1215
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2591
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