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 i3-7102E 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 i3-7102E 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 i3-7102E

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $69 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 29.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.6 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 73W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,599 vs 2,620).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌192% higher power demand at 73W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i3-7102E?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% 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 3.5% 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 0.8% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-680 comes in 30.7% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-7102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 29.6% better value on paper (11.6 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

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

Core i3-7102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7102E vs Core i5-680 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7102E

The Core i3-7102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i3-7102E and Core i5-680 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 59.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-680. The Core i3-7102E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.86 GHz+84%
Base Clock	—	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,599	2,620
Cinebench R23 Multi	659	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,962	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898	—

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7102E versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the Core i3-7102E supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-680
Socket	—	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7102E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7102E) 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.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-680
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7102E was priced at $225, while the Core i5-680 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($225 vs $294), Core i3-7102E was $69 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7102E delivers 11.6 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-680 — making the Core i3-7102E the 25.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-680
MSRP	$225-23%	$294
Performance per Dollar	11.6+30%	8.9
Release Date	2017	2010

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