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 i5-5350U 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 i5-5350U: 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 $21 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
✅Delivers 8.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.9 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $315 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

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-5350U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,589 vs 2,620).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($315 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i5-5350U?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i5-680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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 $21 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $315 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 8.4% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), 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 i5-5350U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-680 vs Core i5-5350U 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 i5-5350U

The Core i5-5350U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,589 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-680 and Core i5-5350U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-5350U — a 28.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-680 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-5350U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-680 scores 2,620 against the Core i5-5350U's 2,589 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5350U.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-5350U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.86 GHz+33%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+100%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	2,620+1%	2,589

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-680 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-5350U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-5350U — the Core i5-5350U supports 40% 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 i5-5350U) — the Core i5-680 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-5350U
Socket	LGA1156	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	LPDDR3-1866+40%
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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Core i5-680) and HD Graphics 6000 (Core i5-5350U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop, Core i5-5350U targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-5350U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics	HD Graphics 6000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-680 was priced at $294, while the Core i5-5350U came in at $315. On launch pricing ($294 vs $315), Core i5-680 was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-680 delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-5350U — making the Core i5-680 the 8.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i5-5350U
MSRP	$294-7%	$315
Performance per Dollar	8.9+9%	8.2
Release Date	2010	2015

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