Core i5-680 vs Core i7-3687U

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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U: 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

✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,620 vs 2,621).
❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Core i7-3687U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i7-3687U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-680 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3687U pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3687U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-3687U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-680 and Core i7-3687U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U — a 15.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-680 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3687U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-680 scores 2,620 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-3687U. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i7-3687U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.86 GHz+17%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+71%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 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	2,620	2,621
Geekbench 6 Single	—	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,240

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-680 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3687U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-3687U — the Core i7-3687U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3687U 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.

Feature	Core i5-680	Core i7-3687U
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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Core i5-680) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3687U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop, Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.