Intel Core i5 655K 3.2GHz Socket 1156

Overview

The Intel Core i5 655K is based on Intel's 32nm Clarkdale core with integrated graphics, the dual-core processor can handle four simultaneous threads using Hyper-Threading, it has 4MB of Level 3 cache and a TDP of 73W. As well as the unlocked multiplier, both chips still feature Intel's Turbo Boost technology, which automatically adjusts core frequency based on the CPU's workload.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 15 expert reviews

Excellent:

6
Good:

5
Average:

3
Bad:

1

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Last revision on May 7, 2014

Reviewers Liked

Highly overclockable out of the box
Good performance
Power efficient
Unlocked CPU multiplier and RAM dividers
Efficient 32nm process
Includes Intel GMA HD 45nm graphics unit
AES instructions update made it at least 10x faster

Reviewers Didn't Like

Pricing could have been a bit more aggressive
Costs $30 more than the Core i5 650
At stock settings, can't match performance of certain less costly Intel/AMD CPUs

Expert reviews and ratings

The Intel Core i5 655K processor is a phenomenal product with easy and high overclockablilty out of the box. The beauty of the processor is that you can easily overclock it without much of a hassle, thanks to its unlocked multiplier. The good thing is...

By TechTree on December 06, 2010

100

With its unlocked multiplier the 655K can be easily overclocked on even standard motherboards....

By ITP.net on December 01, 2010

Intel’s reign of dominance in the CPU market hasn’t skipped a beat this year, and now two more processors from the Californian chip maker enter the fray aiming to catch the eye of both system builders and overclockers – namely the Core i5 655K and...

By PCWorld New Zealand on October 26, 2010

A nice dual-core, too expensive for what it...

By Atomic MPC on October 13, 2010

The Core i5 655K performed decently against other CPUs. Thanks to features like Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading, this sample was able to outperform the Athlon II X3 in nearly all the tests when they were targeted at multi-core solutions. Of course,...

By Benchmark Reviews on July 28, 2010

The Extreme Edition CPUs from Intel are the real performance daddies of the desktop world. Costing over £800 for a little slab of silicon though they really should be. So what is it about these Extreme chips that makes them so damned fast? It's the...

By TechRadar on July 20, 2010

You could argue that the unlocked multiplier allows for better overclocks on motherboards that can't hit a 200MHz Base Clock (cheap boards, in other words), but whether you overclock via the Base Clock or the CPU multiplier, you'll still have to add...

By Bit-tech.net on July 02, 2010

Although nothing to write home about architecturally, Intel is making a play for AMD’s favorite audience, the cost-conscious overclocker crowd. Enthusiasts, meet Intel’s latest take on fast and...

By ComputerPowerUser on June 11, 2010

i7-875KIt's a curious set of results that aren't too easy to read much into. Some tests it came out looking very good at stock speeds, and others it really struggled with.The thing that makes this hardest to understand is that to all intents and...

By Overclock3D on June 07, 2010

It’s nice to see some unlocked processors coming from Intel again that don’t carry the Extreme Edition price tag. The $220 Core i5-655K and $190 Core i5-650 are currently about $30 different between price tags which we feel is well worth the extra...

By FutureLooks on June 02, 2010

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