Intel Core i3-560

The Intel Core i3-560 is a desktop processor from the Westmere generation, code-named Clarkdale. It pairs two physical cores with four threads, running at a base clock of 3.33 GHz. In the benchmark database, it records an average score of 480, placing it in the 8th percentile of all CPUs. The data shows it sits within a tightly packed cluster of rivals, with average scores spanning 477 to 483. This positioning indicates a processor that, while far from the top of the performance curve, delivers consistent results for its era. The 32nm process node, 382 million transistors, and 81 mm² die size all contribute to its modest thermal profile.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Core M-5Y10, the data shows a delta of -0.1%, with both processors achieving an average score of 480. This places the i3-560 in a statistical dead heat with the mobile-oriented M-5Y10. The negligible difference suggests that for the workloads captured by the average benchmark, the two parts deliver interchangeable performance. The M-5Y10 is a low-power mobile part, yet the i3-560's higher base clock of 3.33 GHz and four threads allow it to match the aggregate score. The 8th percentile ranking for the i3-560 is mirrored by the M-5Y10's similar standing, reinforcing the parity.

Against the AMD A6 PRO-7400B, the i3-560 holds a 0.1% advantage, as the rival scores 479. This margin is well within measurement noise, but the direction favors the Intel part. The near-identical scores mean that a user moving between these two platforms would perceive no meaningful difference in everyday tasks. The A6 PRO-7400B is a desktop APU, and the i3-560's integrated Intel HD graphics provide a comparable baseline for display output. The data shows that the i3-560's dual-core, four-thread configuration is sufficient to edge out the A6 PRO-7400B in aggregate.

The largest lead for the i3-560 is against the AMD Athlon II X3 435, where it posts a 0.6% higher average score (480 vs 477). Although the Athlon II X3 435 features three physical cores, the i3-560's four threads and higher clock speed appear to offset the core deficit, resulting in a slight overall win. The Athlon II X3 435's lack of simultaneous multithreading is a key differentiator, as the i3-560 can process four threads simultaneously. This demonstrates that thread count can sometimes outweigh physical core count in aggregate benchmarks.

The i3-560 trails the AMD PRO A6-8570E by 0.6%, as that rival scores 483. This is the only rival in the group that edges ahead, but the margin remains under one percent. The data indicates that the i3-560 sits at the lower end of this particular performance band, though the differences are too small to be practically significant. The PRO A6-8570E benefits from a slightly higher average score, but the i3-560's 3.33 GHz base clock and 4 MB of shared L3 cache keep it competitive.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Core i3-560 carries a TDP of 73 watts. This places it in a moderate power class, implying that a basic air cooler is sufficient for thermal management. The 32nm process node from Intel's foundry contributes to this efficiency, with 382 million transistors packed into an 81 mm² die. The small die size and relatively modest TDP suggest that heat dissipation is straightforward, even in compact desktop chassis. The integrated Intel HD graphics share the package, adding a small amount of thermal load, but the overall envelope remains easy to handle. The data does not provide specific temperature readings, but the TDP class indicates that a standard cooling solution will keep the processor within operating limits under normal workloads. The 73W figure is a moderate value, and the dual-channel DDR3 memory controller adds to the total draw without excessive energy consumption.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for the i3-560 show a clear pattern. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 140. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore score is 585, while the single-core score is 82. The substantial gap between these two figures reflects the benefit of four threads on a dual-core design. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score reaches 1395, and the single-core score is 197. The R23 multicore result is greater than the R20 multicore result, which is expected as the workload scales across versions. The single-core scores of 82 (R20) and 197 (R23) are modest, placing the processor in the lower tier of the database. The overall average benchmark score of 480, combined with the 8th percentile ranking, confirms that this is a low-to-mid-range part. The deltas against its nearest rivals are all within 0.6%, meaning that in practical terms, the i3-560 is statistically indistinguishable from the Core M-5Y10, A6 PRO-7400B, Athlon II X3 435, and PRO A6-8570E in aggregate performance. The R20 multicore score of 585 is significantly higher than the single-core score of 82, demonstrating strong scaling from four threads. Similarly, the R23 multicore score of 1395 is considerably above the single-core score of 197. These results indicate that the i3-560 is well-balanced for multi-threaded applications, despite its low absolute performance. The 4 MB of shared L3 cache and 256 KB of L2 per core help to feed the four threads efficiently.

FAQ

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core i3-560?

A: The launch MSRP is $138.

Q: Does the Intel Core i3-560 support ECC memory?

A: No, the data indicates ECC memory support is false.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the Intel Core i3-560?

A: The memory bandwidth is 21.3 GB/s, using dual-channel DDR3 memory.

Q: What is the production status of the Intel Core i3-560?

A: The production status is end-of-life.

Q: How many threads does the Intel Core i3-560 have?

A: It has 2 cores and 4 threads.

Q: What is the process node used for the Intel Core i3-560?

A: The process node is 32 nm.

Who Should Consider It

The data shows that the i3-560 is positioned in the 8th percentile of all CPUs, which makes it suitable for basic computing tasks. For office workloads such as word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing, the dual-core, four-thread design with a 3.33 GHz base clock provides adequate responsiveness. For gaming, the integrated Intel HD graphics are present, but the low percentile score indicates limited capability for demanding 3D titles; users would need a discrete graphics card for any serious gaming. For content creation, the multi-core scores (1395 in Cinebench R23) are low, so heavy rendering or video editing would be a poor fit. The processor is best suited for users with an existing Socket 1156 motherboard who need a functional, low-power CPU for everyday tasks, or for legacy system builds where the 73W TDP and basic cooling requirements are attractive. The 4 MB of shared L3 cache and 21.3 GB/s memory bandwidth are sufficient for typical office applications. However, the lack of ECC memory support and the end-of-life production status mean that it is not a forward-looking choice.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Core i3-560 uses the Intel Socket 1156 interface. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. The processor provides PCIe Gen 2 with 16 lanes (CPU only), which is sufficient for a single graphics card or other expansion cards. Integrated Intel HD graphics are included, allowing for display output without a dedicated GPU. The platform is end-of-life, meaning that upgrade options are limited to other Socket 1156 processors, which are also legacy parts. The 32nm process node and 382 million transistors are part of the Westmere architecture, with the Clarkdale codename. The processor was released on 2010-08-28, and its production has ceased. For users on this platform, the i3-560 serves as a functional entry point, but the lack of modern features such as ECC memory support and the limited PCIe lanes (Gen 2, 16 lanes) mean it is not suitable for high-performance expansion. The memory bus is dual-channel, and the 21.3 GB/s bandwidth is adequate for DDR3-era workloads. The integrated Intel HD graphics provide basic display capabilities, but for any demanding GPU tasks, a discrete card would be required.