CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-580M vs Intel Core i5-580M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-580M is the highest-clocked dual-core Arrandale mobile processor in Socket G1 packaging, featuring a 2.67 GHz base clock with 3.333 GHz Turbo Boost, representing the peak of first-gen Core i5 mobile performance before Sandy Bridge.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The highest single-threaded performance of any Arrandale i5 translates to slightly better responsiveness in office applications.
Highest single-threaded Arrandale i5 performance helps slightly in office tasks, but the difference from lower SKUs is minimal in practice.
Gaming
The extra 133 MHz turbo provides a negligible improvement in gaming, as the first-gen Intel HD GPU remains the binding constraint.
Identical to the socketed i5-580M. First-gen Intel HD Graphics prevents any meaningful gaming experience with modern titles.
Virtualization
Still fundamentally limited by 2 cores and 3MB cache, but the higher clock helps slightly in CPU-bound VM tasks.
VT-x and VT-d present, but 2 cores and 3MB cache make any serious virtualization impractical.
Efficiency
Same 35W TDP as all Arrandale i5s. Higher clocks at the same power budget show good 32nm process maturity.
Same 35W TDP as all Arrandale i5s. Higher turbo at same power shows good process binning.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration of any kind
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI acceleration capabilities
Content Creation
Gaming
- 3.333 GHz turbo does not overcome integrated graphics limitations
- Slightly better CPU-bound game performance than i5-560M
- Still unplayable in any modern 3D title
- Performance identical to socketed i5-580M
- 3.333 GHz turbo irrelevant when GPU is the bottleneck
- Only viable for very old or lightweight games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest Turbo Boost in the Arrandale i5 lineup
- Socket G1 allows direct upgrade installation
- Best-binned silicon from mature 32nm process
- AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d all included
- Higher clocks at same 35W TDP as lower SKUs
Cons
- Completely obsolete for modern computing
- Only 3MB L3 cache (same as cheaper i5s)
- No AVX instruction support
- 8GB RAM limitation
- First-gen Intel HD Graphics severely limits any graphical task
- Sandy Bridge made it redundant within 4 months
Pros
- Highest Turbo Boost in any Arrandale i5 BGA variant
- Best-binned 32nm silicon in a compact package
- AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d included
- Same 35W TDP as lower-clocked variants
Cons
- BGA package requires professional rework for replacement
- Zero upgrade path
- Only 3MB L3 cache
- No AVX support
- 8GB RAM ceiling
- Launched mere months before Sandy Bridge obsolescence
- Used market pricing may not reflect actual value
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-580M
- AMD Phenom II N660Rival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Turion II N570Rival
Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-620MAlt
Same socket, same turbo clock, but with 4MB L3 cache for a more meaningful upgrade.
133 MHz less turbo for potentially significantly less money on the used market.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-640MAlt
Even higher 3.467 GHz turbo and 4MB cache if budget allows.
Intel Core i5-580M
- AMD Turion II N570Rival
Performance Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N660Rival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i5-560M BGAAlt
133 MHz less turbo but potentially much cheaper and functionally similar for repair purposes.
- Intel Core i7-620M BGAAlt
Same turbo clock but with 4MB L3 cache if available for the specific motherboard.
- Intel Core i5-540M BGAAlt
Significantly cheaper on the used market with only modest performance reduction.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-580M is the best Arrandale Core i5 you can buy for a Socket G1 laptop, offering the highest turbo frequency in the lineup, though it remains obsolete for modern use.
Best for: As a final upgrade for a Socket G1 laptop where maximum Arrandale performance is desired
Read the full reviewThe BGA i5-580M delivers the same impressive 3.333 GHz turbo as the socketed variant but in a non-upgradeable package, making it solely relevant for repair and preservation of specific laptop models.
Best for: Exact replacement for a failed BGA i5-580M (SLC29) in a specific laptop model during board-level repair
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-580M or Intel Core i5-580M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-580M comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i5-580M and Intel Core i5-580M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-580M: Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A), Intel Core i5-580M: Intel BGA 1288), so each needs a compatible motherboard.