Core i3-7020U vs Core i5-7Y54

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 i3-7020U vs Core i5-7Y54 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 i3-7020U vs Core i5-7Y54: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7020U

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,567 vs 2,586).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌233.3% higher power demand at 15W vs 4.5W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7Y54 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-7Y54

2016

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 15W, a 11W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (10 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 615, while Core i3-7020U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core i3-7020U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7Y54 better than Core i3-7020U?

Yes. Core i5-7Y54 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7Y54 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i5-7Y54 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% 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 i5-7Y54 is the better buy right now. Core i5-7Y54 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7020U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7020U vs Core i5-7Y54 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7020U

The Core i3-7020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,567 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-7Y54

The Core i5-7Y54 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,586 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7020U and Core i5-7Y54 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-7020U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-7Y54 — a 32.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-7Y54 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7020U scores 2,567 against the Core i5-7Y54's 2,586 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-7Y54. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7020U vs 4 MB on the Core i5-7Y54.

Feature	Core i3-7020U	Core i5-7Y54
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3.2 GHz+39%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+92%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,567	2,586
Geekbench 6 Single	—	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,700

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7020U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7Y54 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7020U	Core i5-7Y54
Socket	BGA1356	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	LPDDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	10

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-7020U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7Y54). The Core i5-7Y54 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 615), while the Core i3-7020U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7Y54 targets Tablet/2-in-1.