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 i5-670 vs Core i5-3230M 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 i5-670 vs Core i5-3230M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-670

2010

Why buy it

✅+12.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3230M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,553 vs 2,565).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Core i5-3230M

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $59 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 26.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (565 vs 638).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-670.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3230M better than Core i5-670?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-670 is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3230M pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i5-670 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 i5-3230M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3230M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3230M comes in $59 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-670 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 26.8% better value on MSRP (11.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3230M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and 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 i5-670 vs Core i5-3230M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-3230M

The Core i5-3230M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 2,565 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-670 and Core i5-3230M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i5-670 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M — a 15.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-670 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-670 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3230M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-670 scores 2,553 against the Core i5-3230M's 2,565 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3230M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 638 vs 565, a 12.1% lead for the Core i5-670 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-670 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3230M.

Feature	Core i5-670	Core i5-3230M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+17%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+33%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,553	2,565
Geekbench 6 Single	638+13%	565
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,128

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-670 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3230M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-670 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-3230M — the Core i5-3230M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3230M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i5-670) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3230M).

Feature	Core i5-670	Core i5-3230M
Socket	LGA1156	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
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, EPT (Core i5-670) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3230M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Core i5-670) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3230M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-670 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-670 rivals Phenom II X4 955; Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

Feature	Core i5-670	Core i5-3230M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-670 was priced at $284, while the Core i5-3230M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($284 vs $225), Core i5-3230M was $59 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-670 delivers 9.0 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3230M — making the Core i5-3230M the 23.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-670	Core i5-3230M
MSRP	$284	$225-21%
Performance per Dollar	9.0	11.4+27%
Release Date	2010	2013

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