Core i5-750 vs Pentium Silver N5030

Intel

Core i5-750

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009
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VS
Intel

Pentium Silver N5030

4 Cores4 Thrd4 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Core i5-750 vs Pentium Silver N5030 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 i5-750 vs Pentium Silver N5030 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 i5-750 vs Pentium Silver N5030: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-750

2009

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium Silver N5030.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $210 MSRP, while Pentium Silver N5030 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 2275% higher power demand at 95W vs 4W.

Pentium Silver N5030

2019

Why buy it

  • Draws 4W instead of 95W, a 91W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,543 vs 2,546).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-750.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-750 better than Pentium Silver N5030?
Yes. Core i5-750 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-750 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i5-750 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-750 is the better buy right now. Core i5-750 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $210 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium Silver N5030 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-750 vs Pentium Silver N5030 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-750

The Core i5-750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,546 points. Launch price was $150.

Intel

Pentium Silver N5030

The Pentium Silver N5030 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,543 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-750 and Pentium Silver N5030 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-750 versus 3.1 GHz on the Pentium Silver N5030 — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-750 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-750 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium Silver N5030 uses Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-750 scores 2,546 against the Pentium Silver N5030's 2,543 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-750. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-750 vs 4 MB on the Pentium Silver N5030.

FeatureCore i5-750Pentium Silver N5030
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+3%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.66 GHz+142%
1.1 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)+100%
4 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
4 MB+1500%
Process
45 nm
14 nm-69%
Architecture
Lynnfield (2009−2010)
Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)
PassMark
2,546
2,543
Geekbench 6 Single
424
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-750 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Silver N5030 uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-750Pentium Silver N5030
Socket
LGA1156
FCBGA1090
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
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 i5-750) / not specified (Pentium Silver N5030). Primary use case: Core i5-750 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-750 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

FeatureCore i5-750Pentium Silver N5030
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Desktop