Core i5-670 vs Phenom II X4 B97

CPU

GPU

Core i5-670

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 3.73 GHz2010

Similar parts

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Phenom II X4 B97

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010

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Core i5-670 vs Phenom II X4 B97 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-670

2 / 4

2,553

+0.5%

2,540

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i5-670 vs Phenom II X4 B97 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 Phenom II X4 B97: 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

✅Draws 73W instead of 95W, a 22W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Phenom II X4 B97 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Phenom II X4 B97.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 25.4 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Phenom II X4 B97

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $184 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 182.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,540 vs 2,553).
❌30.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 73W.
❌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 Phenom II X4 B97?

Yes. Core i5-670 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% 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 1.5% 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 0.5% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-670 comes in 184.0% more expensive on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Phenom II X4 B97 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 182.6% better value on paper (25.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.

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

Phenom II X4 B97 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-670 vs Phenom II X4 B97 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.

Phenom II X4 B97

The Phenom II X4 B97 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,540 points. Launch price was $100.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-670 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 B97 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 B97 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i5-670 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 B97 — a 15.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-670 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-670 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X4 B97 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-670 scores 2,553 against the Phenom II X4 B97's 2,540 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-670. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-670 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B97.

Feature	Core i5-670	Phenom II X4 B97
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+17%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+8%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark	2,553	2,540
Geekbench 6 Single	638	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-670 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 B97 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-670	Phenom II X4 B97
Socket	LGA1156	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
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 (Phenom II X4 B97). The Core i5-670 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Phenom II X4 B97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-670 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-670 rivals Phenom II X4 955.

Feature	Core i5-670	Phenom II X4 B97
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-670 was priced at $284, while the Phenom II X4 B97 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($284 vs $100), Phenom II X4 B97 was $184 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-670 delivers 9.0 pts/$ vs 25.4 pts/$ for the Phenom II X4 B97 — making the Phenom II X4 B97 the 95.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-670	Phenom II X4 B97
MSRP	$284	$100-65%
Performance per Dollar	9.0	25.4+182%
Release Date	2010	2010

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