Core i5-680 vs Core i7-4510U

Intel

Core i5-680

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 3.86 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4510U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-680 vs Core i7-4510U Performance Spectrum

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 i5-680 vs Core i7-4510U 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 i7-4510U: 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

  • Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $99 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $393 MSRP).
  • Delivers 33.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.9 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $393 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 2,634).

Core i7-4510U

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($393 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • 601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i7-4510U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-680 is ahead with a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4510U pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4510U 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 i5-680 is the better buy right now. Core i5-680 comes in $99 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $393 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-4510U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 33.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4510U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 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 i7-4510U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-4510U

The Core i7-4510U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,634 points. Launch price was $393.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-680 and Core i7-4510U 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 i7-4510U — a 21.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-680 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4510U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-680 scores 2,620 against the Core i7-4510U's 2,634 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-4510U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-4510U.

FeatureCore i5-680Core i7-4510U
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.86 GHz+25%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+80%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
4 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Clarkdale (2010−2011)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
2,620
2,634
Geekbench 6 Single
880
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-680 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4510U 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 on the Core i7-4510U — the Core i7-4510U 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 i7-4510U) — the Core i5-680 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-680Core i7-4510U
Socket
LGA1156
FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+33%
12
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i7-4510U). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics (Core i5-680) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i7-4510U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop, Core i7-4510U targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-4510U rivals A10-7300.

FeatureCore i5-680Core i7-4510U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics
HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Desktop
Ultrabook
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-680 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-4510U came in at $393. On launch pricing ($294 vs $393), Core i5-680 was $99 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-680 delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 6.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-4510U — making the Core i5-680 the 28.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-680Core i7-4510U
MSRP
$294-25%
$393
Performance per Dollar
8.9+33%
6.7
Release Date
2010
2014

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