Core i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,450 vs 2,451).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3667U

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3667U better than Core i5-5250U?

Yes. Core i7-3667U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3667U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i7-3667U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-3667U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3667U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-5250U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-5250U vs Core i7-3667U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5250U

The Core i5-5250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,450 points. Launch price was $315.

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 i5-5250U and Core i7-3667U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-5250U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3667U — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3667U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-5250U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3667U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5250U scores 2,450 against the Core i7-3667U's 2,451 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-3667U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5250U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3667U.

Feature	Core i5-5250U	Core i7-3667U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+19%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2 GHz+25%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,450	2,451

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5250U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3667U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the Core i5-5250U versus 1600 on the Core i7-3667U — the Core i5-5250U supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3667U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-5250U) vs 16 (Core i7-3667U) — the Core i7-3667U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i5-5250U) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3667U).

Feature	Core i5-5250U	Core i7-3667U
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16	32+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 6000 (Core i5-5250U) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3667U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3667U rivals AMD A10-4655M.