Core i5-3360M vs Core i7-920

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 i5-3360M vs Core i7-920 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 i5-3360M vs Core i7-920: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3360M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-920 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Core i7-920

2008

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,866 vs 2,892).
❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Core i5-3360M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3360M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3360M better than Core i7-920?

Yes. Core i5-3360M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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 i5-3360M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% more average FPS across 27 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3360M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3360M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3360M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-920 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1366.

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

Core i5-3360M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3360M vs Core i7-920 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3360M

The Core i5-3360M 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,892 points. Launch price was $266.

Core i7-920

The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3360M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-920 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3360M versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 — a 17.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3360M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i5-3360M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-920 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3360M scores 2,892 against the Core i7-920's 2,866 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-3360M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3360M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920.

Feature	Core i5-3360M	Core i7-920
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+19%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+5%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	2,892	2,866

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3360M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-920 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3360M	Core i7-920
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3360M) / not specified (Core i7-920). The Core i5-3360M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-920 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3360M rivals AMD A10-4600M.