Core i5-670
VS
Core i3-7020U

Core i5-670 vs Core i3-7020U

Intel

Core i5-670

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 3.73 GHz2010
VS
Intel

Core i3-7020U

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2018

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-670 is positioned at rank 1013 and the Core i3-7020U is on rank 70, so the Core i3-7020U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-670

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
34674%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
32763%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
23789%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
7167%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
5677%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
4966%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
2844%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
2807%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2556%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2556%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2527%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2459%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2425%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2415%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2393%
#1013
Core i5-670
MSRP: $284|Avg: $100
100%
#1014
Core i5-680
MSRP: $294|Avg: $10
99%
#1015
Core 2 Duo E4300
MSRP: $113|Avg: $5
99%
#1017
Core 2 Duo E4500
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
97%
#1019
Core 2 Duo E7600
MSRP: $133|Avg: $50
96%
#1020
Core i7-3970X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $60
96%
#1021
Core 2 Duo E8700
MSRP: $256|Avg: $30
96%
#1022
Core 2 Duo E6550
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
95%
#1023
Phenom X3 8450
MSRP: $145|Avg: $147
94%
#1024
Core i7-3960X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $60
94%
#1025
Celeron 2.70
MSRP: $49|Avg: $49
93%
#1027
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
90%
#1028
Core 2 Quad Q8200
MSRP: $224|Avg: $36
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7020U

#15
Ryzen 5 220
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
97%
#18
Ryzen 5 8500G
MSRP: $179|Avg: $150
94%
#58
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
229%
#59
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
225%
#60
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
207%
#61
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
206%
#62
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
204%
#64
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
197%
#65
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
189%
#66
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
189%
#67
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
183%
#70
Core i3-7020U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#75
Core i3-4030U
MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A
97%
#79
Atom D2500
MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i3-7020U (2018) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore i5-670Core i3-7020U
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($100)
More affordable ($0)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm)
✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-670 (2010) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore i5-670Core i3-7020U
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($100)
More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-670 and Core i3-7020U

Intel

Core i5-670

The Core i5-670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,553 points. Launch price was $252.

Intel

Core i3-7020U

The Core i3-7020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,567 points. Launch price was $281.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-670 and Core i3-7020U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i5-670 versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-7020U — a 47.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-670 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-670 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7020U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-670 scores 2,553 against the Core i3-7020U's 2,567 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-7020U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-670 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7020U.

FeatureCore i5-670Core i3-7020U
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.73 GHz+62%
2.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.46 GHz+50%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)+33%
3 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Clarkdale (2010−2011)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
2,553
2,567
Geekbench 6 Single
638
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-670 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7020U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-670Core i3-7020U
Socket
LGA1156
BGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-670) / not specified (Core i3-7020U). The Core i5-670 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core i3-7020U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-670 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-670 rivals Phenom II X4 955.

FeatureCore i5-670Core i3-7020U
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Desktop