Best GPUs for this CPU, bottleneck check, and compatible graphics cards
Core i3-560 / Intel made / 1st Gen / Released 2010 Also known as: i3-560 / Corei3-560
Core i3-560 (Intel, released in 2010, also listed as i3-560 / Corei3-560) is a CPU with a performance score of 2,800, 2C / 4T, TDP 73W. If GPU compatibility and performance balance are poor, a Bottleneck occurs, preventing the GPU or CPU from reaching its full potential. In our estimate, the GPU that pairs best with Core i3-560 is Radeon RX 550 (estimated bottleneck: about 0%). Below are the top 10 compatible GPUs and a guide to GPUs to avoid.
GPUs are ordered by proximity to the ideal CPU:GPU ratio of 0.9:1. A lower bottleneck percentage means the combination can use more of its performance.
If you want higher graphics settings or plan to keep the PC for years, you can pick a GPU one step stronger. Core i3-560 will fall slightly behind (a bottleneck of 10% or less), but a later CPU upgrade will let the GPU run at full strength.
The Bottleneck Checker opens with Core i3-560 already selected.
Core i3-560 (i3-560 / Corei3-560) has a performance score of 2,800 points. Using the same CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1 standard as the checker, compatibility by GPU score is shown below.
| GPU Score to Pair | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 2,074 points | GPU Too Weak | The GPU is too weak for this CPU. Some of Core i3-560 performance remains unused (e.g., Radeon R7 250X、GeForce GT 1030、GeForce GT 730) |
| 2,074–3,457 points | Great Match: 10% or Less | Optimal balance. Both CPU and GPU can deliver nearly full performance (ideal: about 3,111 pts) |
| 3,457–4,148 points | Acceptable: 10–25% | The GPU is somewhat strong. This is practical, but the CPU may hold it back under heavy load. |
| Over 4,148 points | CPU Bottleneck: Over 25% | The GPU is too powerful for Core i3-560 to use fully (e.g., GeForce GTX 950、Radeon HD 7870、GeForce GTX 1050、Radeon R9 280) |
Note: Perceived results vary by resolution and game (GPU matters more at 4K, while CPU matters more at high-fps Full HD). For an exact estimate, use the Bottleneck Checker.
Check each store for current prices and stock (search for Core i3-560).
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These CPUs have similar performance scores and may be useful replacement or comparison candidates.
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→ Compare Other Models / → Check Whether an Upgrade Is Worthwhile
Our estimate finds that Radeon RX 550 offers the best balance, with an estimated bottleneck of about 0%. A CPU-to-GPU performance ratio near 0.9:1 tends to use both parts effectively. See the top 10 compatible GPUs in the table on this page.
Pairing Core i3-560 with a powerful GPU scoring over 4,148 points (for example, GeForce GTX 950、Radeon HD 7870、GeForce GTX 1050、Radeon R9 280) is likely to create a CPU bottleneck above 25%.Conversely, a GPU below 2,074 points（例: Radeon R7 250X、GeForce GT 1030、GeForce GT 730） leaves some of Core i3-560 performance unused.
Core i3-560 has 2 cores and 4 threads.Its base clock is 3.33GHz and maximum boost clock is 3.33GHz.The socket is LGA1156.
Core i3-560 has a TDP of 73W. As a guideline, choose a power supply that covers the CPU TDP plus GPU power draw, with additional headroom.
Its performance score is 2,800 points. CPU–GPU balance matters for games, while core count (2C / 4T) matters for video editing and AI preprocessing. Check the top 10 GPUs above for your use case. GPU VRAM is the main factor for running generative AI, so also see each GPU detail page.
