Core i3-5157U vs Core i5-680

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 i3-5157U 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.

Core i3-5157U 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.

Core i3-5157U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,593 vs 2,620).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Core i3-5157U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i3-5157U?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 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 0.2% 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 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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 $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-5157U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-5157U vs Core i5-680 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5157U

The Core i3-5157U 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,593 points. Launch price was $315.

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 Core i3-5157U and Core i5-680 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-5157U versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 42.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-5157U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5157U scores 2,593 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5157U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	3.86 GHz+54%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,593	2,620+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	793	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5157U uses the FCBGA1168 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 LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i3-5157U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the Core i3-5157U supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5157U) vs 16 (Core i5-680) — the Core i5-680 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i5-680
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-5157U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Graphics 6100 (Core i3-5157U) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5157U targets Premium Laptop, Core i5-680 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-5157U rivals A12-8800B.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i5-680
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Graphics 6100	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Premium Laptop	Desktop