Core i5-2400 vs Core i7-2675QM

Intel

Core i5-2400

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2675QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i5-2400 vs Core i7-2675QM Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-2400 vs Core i7-2675QM 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 i5-2400 vs Core i7-2675QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2400

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $194 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Delivers 103.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.0 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2675QM.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2675QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,870 vs 3,913).
  • 111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Core i7-2675QM

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.4 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2675QM better than Core i5-2400?
Yes. Core i7-2675QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 i7-2675QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.6% 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 i7-2675QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2675QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2675QM comes in 105.4% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 103.2% better value on paper (21.0 vs 10.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2675QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2400 vs Core i7-2675QM Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-2400

The Core i5-2400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 3,870 points. Launch price was $60.

Intel

Core i7-2675QM

The Core i7-2675QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,913 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

The Core i5-2400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2675QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2400 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-2675QM — a 9.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2400 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2400 scores 3,870 against the Core i7-2675QM's 3,913 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-2675QM. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2675QM.

FeatureCore i5-2400Core i7-2675QM
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz+10%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+41%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6144 kB (total)
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
3,870
3,913+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
595
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2400 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2675QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-2400 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i5-2400Core i7-2675QM
Socket
LGA1155
FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2400) vs VT-x (Core i7-2675QM). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2400) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2675QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2400 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i7-2675QM targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-2400 rivals Phenom II X4 975.

FeatureCore i5-2400Core i7-2675QM
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2000
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
Mobile
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2400 was priced at $184, while the Core i7-2675QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($184 vs $378), Core i5-2400 was $194 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2400 delivers 21.0 pts/$ vs 10.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-2675QM — making the Core i5-2400 the 68.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2400Core i7-2675QM
MSRP
$184-51%
$378
Performance per Dollar
21.0+102%
10.4
Release Date
2011
2011

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