CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-655K vs Intel Core i5-750s
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-655K is an unlocked dual-core Clarkdale processor launched in May 2010, offering BCLK multiplier freedom for enthusiast overclockers on the LGA 1156 platform.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Two cores are fundamentally insufficient for any modern productivity workload.
Slower than the standard i5-750 in sustained multi-threaded workloads due to the 2.4GHz base.
Gaming
Even overclocked, the dual-core architecture and weak iGPU make modern gaming impossible.
Turbo boost helps in light gaming but the low base clock hurts in sustained loads.
Virtualization
Minimal utility with only two cores and 4GB-friendly memory limits.
Four cores help but lower clocks limit VM performance.
Efficiency
73W base TDP increases significantly when overclocked, resulting in poor efficiency.
Better efficiency than the standard i5-750 at 82W, though still poor by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Completely unsuitable for any machine learning task
- No AI acceleration
- Far too slow for any ML workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Overclocking does not overcome the dual-core limitation
- HD Graphics at 733MHz cannot handle any modern 3D workload
- Was marginal for 2010 gaming even with a discrete GPU
- 2.4GHz base clock is too low for modern games
- Turbo boost to 3.2GHz helps slightly in lightly threaded scenarios
- Requires a discrete GPU for any gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier was rare and valuable for LGA 1156 overclocking
- 32nm process allowed impressive frequency headroom
- Interesting piece of Intel's overclocking history
- BCLK-independent overclocking simplified tuning
Cons
- Only two cores even when overclocked
- More expensive than the identical-performance i5-650 at launch
- Clarkdale's dual-die design limited memory controller performance
- No practical use in modern computing
- Overclocking a dual-core provides negligible real-world benefit today
Pros
- Lower power consumption for small form factor builds
- Same turbo boost ceiling as standard i5-750
- Four real cores with 8MB cache
- Lower thermal output simplifies cooling
Cons
- 2.4GHz base clock was slow even in 2010
- Significant performance drop in sustained multi-threaded workloads
- No integrated graphics requires discrete GPU
- No AVX support
- Completely obsolete platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-655K
- AMD Phenom II X2 560 Black EditionRival
Unlocked Dual-Core
- AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black EditionRival
Unlocked Quad-Core
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Mainstream Quad-Core
- Intel Core i7-860Rival
Lynnfield i7
- AMD Athlon II X4 645Rival
Budget Quad-Core
- AMD Phenom II X4 955 BEAlt
Unlocked quad-core at a competitive price with better multi-threaded throughput.
- Intel Core i7-870Alt
Eight threads on the same platform if budget allowed.
Intel Core i5-750s
- AMD Phenom II X4 910eRival
Low-Power Quad-Core
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Standard Quad-Core
- AMD Athlon II X4 605eRival
Low-Power Quad-Core
- Intel Core i3-530Rival
Budget Dual-Core with iGPU
- AMD Phenom II X4 810Rival
Budget Quad-Core
If integrated graphics and low power were priorities over core count.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An interesting novelty for overclockers in 2010, but the unlocked multiplier on a dual-core Clarkdale offered little practical value even at launch.
Best for: Collectors or overclocking hobbyists interested in legacy hardware
Read the full reviewAn interesting low-power variant that traded clock speed for efficiency, but the 2.4GHz base clock limited performance even in 2010.
Best for: Maintaining an existing SFF Lynnfield build
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-655K or Intel Core i5-750s?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-750s comes out ahead with a score of 4/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-655K or Intel Core i5-750s?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-750s leads with a gaming performance score of 10/100 among Intel Core i5-655K and Intel Core i5-750s.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-655K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-655K (73 W), Intel Core i5-750s (82 W).
Do Intel Core i5-655K and Intel Core i5-750s use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1156 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-750s has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-655K (2 cores), Intel Core i5-750s (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-750s posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-655K (4,380), Intel Core i5-750s (6,350). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.