Core i3-5005U vs Core i7-920XM

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.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i7-920XM 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.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i7-920XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5005U

2015

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 5500, while Core i7-920XM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-920XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,012 vs 2,014).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.

Core i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5005U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-920XM better than Core i3-5005U?

Yes. Core i7-920XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% 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 i7-920XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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 i7-920XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-920XM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-920XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-5005U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i7-920XM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5005U

The Core i3-5005U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,012 points. Launch price was $275.

Core i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-5005U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-920XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-5005U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM (base: 2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-5005U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-920XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5005U scores 2,012 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-920XM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5005U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM.

Feature	Core i3-5005U	Core i7-920XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3.2 GHz+60%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,012	2,014
Geekbench 6 Single	617	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,227	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5005U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-920XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5005U versus 1333 on the Core i7-920XM — the Core i3-5005U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-5005U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5005U) vs 16 (Core i7-920XM) — the Core i7-920XM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Broadwell-U (Core i3-5005U) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).

Feature	Core i3-5005U	Core i7-920XM
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. The Core i3-5005U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 5500), while the Core i7-920XM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.