Core i5-5675C vs Core i7-2700K

Intel

Core i5-5675C

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-2700K

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i5-5675C vs Core i7-2700K 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 i5-5675C vs Core i7-2700K 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 i5-5675C vs Core i7-2700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-5675C

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $56 less on MSRP ($276 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
  • Delivers 20.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.6 vs 17.1 PassMark/$ ($276 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2700K.

Core i7-2700K

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-5675C.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,689 vs 5,693).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.1 vs 20.6 PassMark/$ ($332 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-5675C better than Core i7-2700K?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2700K is ahead with a 10.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5675C pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-2700K also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5675C is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-5675C is the better buy right now. Core i5-5675C comes in $56 cheaper on MSRP at $276 MSRP versus $332 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 20.4% better value on MSRP (20.6 vs 17.1 PassMark/$), 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 i5-5675C makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i5-5675C vs Core i7-2700K Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-5675C

The Core i5-5675C is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 May 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,693 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i7-2700K

The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.

Processing Power

The Core i5-5675C packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2700K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-5675C versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-5675C uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2700K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5675C scores 5,693 against the Core i7-2700K's 5,689 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-5675C. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-5675C vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2700K.

FeatureCore i5-5675CCore i7-2700K
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.9 GHz+8%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.5 GHz+13%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)+300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Broadwell (2015−2019)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
5,693
5,689
Geekbench 6 Single
701
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5675C uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2700K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-5675C versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2700K — the Core i5-5675C supports 20% 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i5-5675CCore i7-2700K
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
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

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-5675C) vs VT-x (Core i7-2700K). Both include integrated graphics Iris Pro Graphics 6200 (Core i5-5675C) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5675C targets Desktop, Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.

FeatureCore i5-5675CCore i7-2700K
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Pro Graphics 6200
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x
Target Use
Desktop
Gaming Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-5675C was priced at $276, while the Core i7-2700K came in at $332. On launch pricing ($276 vs $332), Core i5-5675C was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-5675C delivers 20.6 pts/$ vs 17.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-2700K — making the Core i5-5675C the 18.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-5675CCore i7-2700K
MSRP
$276-17%
$332
Performance per Dollar
20.6+20%
17.1
Release Date
2015
2011

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