Core i5-7600T vs Core i7-3820
Core i5-7600T
Core i7-3820
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-7600T is positioned at rank 591 and the Core i7-3820 is on rank 791, so the Core i5-7600T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7600T
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3820
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7600T | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7600T | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+99%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-7600T and Core i7-3820
Core i5-7600T
The Core i5-7600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,827 points. Launch price was $224.
Core i7-3820
The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.
Processing Power
The Core i5-7600T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3820's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-7600T versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-7600T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3820 uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7600T scores 5,827 against the Core i7-3820's 5,787 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-7600T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,243 vs 624, a 66.3% lead for the Core i5-7600T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7600T vs 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820.
| Feature | Core i5-7600T | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 10240 kB (total)+67% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,827 | 5,787 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,243+99% | 624 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7600T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3820 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7600T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3820 — the Core i5-7600T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-7600T) vs 4 (Core i7-3820). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-7600T) vs 40 (Core i7-3820) — the Core i7-3820 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B250,H270,Z270 (Core i5-7600T) and X79 (Core i7-3820).
| Feature | Core i5-7600T | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-3820 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-7600T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3820 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7600T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7600T rivals Ryzen 3 1300X; Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i5-7600T | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | HEDT Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7600T launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i7-3820 debuted at $286. At current prices ($60 vs $30), the Core i7-3820 is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7600T delivers 97.1 pts/$ vs 192.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-3820 — making the Core i7-3820 the 66.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7600T | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-33% | $286 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60 | $30-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.1 | 192.9+99% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2012 |
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