Core i5-2320 vs Core i5-7287U

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 i5-2320 vs Core i5-7287U 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 i5-2320 vs Core i5-7287U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2320

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-7287U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,688 vs 3,743).
❌Launch MSRP is still $177 MSRP, while Core i5-7287U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌239.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 28W.

Core i5-7287U

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 95W, a 67W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7287U better than Core i5-2320?

Yes. Core i5-7287U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7287U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i5-7287U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7287U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-7287U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2320 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-7287U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2320 vs Core i5-7287U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2320

The Core i5-2320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,688 points. Launch price was $160.

Core i5-7287U

The Core i5-7287U 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. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,743 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2320 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-7287U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2320 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2320 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-7287U — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-7287U (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-2320 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-7287U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2320 scores 3,688 against the Core i5-7287U's 3,743 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i5-7287U. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2320 vs 4 MB on the Core i5-7287U.

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-7287U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+50%	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	3,688	3,743+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2320 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-7287U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2320 versus 2133 on the Core i5-7287U — the Core i5-7287U supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2320) vs 12 (Core i5-7287U) — the Core i5-2320 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2320) and Kaby Lake-U (Core i5-7287U).

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-7287U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	2133+60%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2320) vs true (Core i5-7287U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2320) and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 (Core i5-7287U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2320 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-7287U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-2320 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-7287U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Mobile