Core i5-3210M vs Core i7-3667U

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 i5-3210M vs Core i7-3667U 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 i5-3210M vs Core i7-3667U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3210M

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-3667U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3667U

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,451 vs 2,469).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3210M better than Core i7-3667U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3667U is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3210M pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark. Core i7-3667U also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3210M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3210M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3210M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3667U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3210M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3210M vs Core i7-3667U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3210M

The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-3667U

The Core i7-3667U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,451 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3210M and Core i7-3667U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3667U — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3667U (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3210M scores 2,469 against the Core i7-3667U's 2,451 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-3210M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3210M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3667U.

Feature	Core i5-3210M	Core i7-3667U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,469	2,451
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,400	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1023 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3210M) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3667U).

Feature	Core i5-3210M	Core i7-3667U
Socket	BGA1023	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M) vs true (Core i7-3667U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3210M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3667U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M; Core i7-3667U rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Core i5-3210M	Core i7-3667U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	—