Core i3-7102E vs Core i5-680
Core i3-7102E
Core i5-680
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-7102E is positioned at rank 974 and the Core i5-680 is on rank 1014, so the Core i3-7102E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7102E
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-680
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+706%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7102E and Core i5-680
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.
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 | — |
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 28.6% 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 — 120% 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+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7102E launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-680 debuted at $294. At current prices ($80 vs $10), the Core i5-680 is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7102E delivers 32.5 pts/$ vs 262.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-680 — making the Core i5-680 the 155.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-23% | $294 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80 | $10-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.5 | 262.0+706% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2010 |
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