Core i5-670 vs Pentium Silver N5030

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 Pentium Silver N5030 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 Pentium Silver N5030: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Pentium Silver N5030 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium Silver N5030.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Pentium Silver N5030 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1725% higher power demand at 73W vs 4W.

Pentium Silver N5030

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 73W, a 69W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,543 vs 2,553).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-670 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-670.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-670 better than Pentium Silver N5030?

Yes. Core i5-670 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-670 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.0% 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 i5-670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-670 is the better buy right now. Core i5-670 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium Silver N5030 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-670 vs Pentium Silver N5030 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.

Pentium Silver N5030

The Pentium Silver N5030 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,543 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-670 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium Silver N5030 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium Silver N5030 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i5-670 versus 3.1 GHz on the Pentium Silver N5030 — a 18.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-670 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-670 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium Silver N5030 uses Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-670 scores 2,553 against the Pentium Silver N5030's 2,543 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-670. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-670 vs 4 MB on the Pentium Silver N5030.

Feature	Core i5-670	Pentium Silver N5030
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+20%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+215%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	4 MB+1500%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)
PassMark	2,553	2,543
Geekbench 6 Single	638	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-670 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Silver N5030 uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-670	Pentium Silver N5030
Socket	LGA1156	FCBGA1090
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-670) / not specified (Pentium Silver N5030). The Core i5-670 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Pentium Silver N5030 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-670 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-670 rivals Phenom II X4 955.