3015e vs Core i5-680

3015e vs Core i5-680 Performance Spectrum

3015e

2 / 4

2,618

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-680

2 / 4

2,620

+0.1%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

3015e vs Core i5-680 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3015e vs Core i5-680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3015e

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 73W, a 72W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,618 vs 2,620).

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while 3015e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌7200% higher power demand at 73W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than 3015e?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-680 is the better buy right now. Core i5-680 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

3015e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3015e vs Core i5-680 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

3015e

The 3015e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,618 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i5-680

The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.

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Processing Power

Both the 3015e and Core i5-680 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the 3015e versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 50.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The 3015e uses the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the 3015e scores 2,618 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3015e vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	3015e	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3.86 GHz+68%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+200%
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Pollock (Zen) (2020)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,618	2,620

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Memory & Platform

The 3015e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the 3015e versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the 3015e supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 1 (3015e) vs 2 (Core i5-680). PCIe lanes: 8 (3015e) vs 16 (Core i5-680) — the Core i5-680 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	3015e	Core i5-680
Socket	FT5	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (3015e) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Vega 3 (3015e) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: 3015e rivals Celeron N4120.