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 i5-680 vs Core i5-4288U 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 i5-680 vs Core i5-4288U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $48 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,620 vs 2,659).

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($342 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i5-4288U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-680 is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4288U pulls ahead with 1.5% better PassMark. Core i5-680 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 i5-4288U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-680 is the better buy right now. Core i5-680 comes in $48 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $342 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-4288U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.5% better PassMark. It is also 14.6% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4288U 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 i5-680 vs Core i5-4288U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-680

The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 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: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.

Core i5-4288U

The Core i5-4288U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-680 and Core i5-4288U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U — a 21.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-680 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4288U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-680 scores 2,620 against the Core i5-4288U's 2,659 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i5-4288U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4288U.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-4288U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.86 GHz+25%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+38%	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)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,620	2,659+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	880
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,800

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-680 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4288U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 versus DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i5-4288U — the Core i5-4288U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-680) vs 12 (Core i5-4288U) — the Core i5-680 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-4288U
Socket	LGA1156	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L 1600 MHz+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680) vs true (Core i5-4288U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Core i5-680) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4288U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop, Core i5-4288U targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-4288U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics	Intel Iris Graphics 5100
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-680 was priced at $294, while the Core i5-4288U came in at $342. On launch pricing ($294 vs $342), Core i5-680 was $48 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-680 delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 7.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-4288U — making the Core i5-680 the 13.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-4288U
MSRP	$294-14%	$342
Performance per Dollar	8.9+14%	7.8
Release Date	2010	2013

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