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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-680 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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7Y54

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $13 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 5W instead of 73W, a 69W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,586 vs 2,620).

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
4.6% HIGHER MSRP
$294 MSRPvs$281 MSRP
❌1522.2% higher power demand at 73W vs 4.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core i5-7Y54?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% 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 3.9% 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 1.3% 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 easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-680 comes in 4.6% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7Y54 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.9% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i5-7Y54 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-680 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7Y54

The Core i5-7Y54 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,586 points. Launch price was $281.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7Y54 and Core i5-680 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-7Y54 versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-7Y54 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7Y54 scores 2,586 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7Y54 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.86 GHz+21%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+200%
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,586	2,620+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	900	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,700	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7Y54 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-7Y54 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the Core i5-7Y54 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: 10 (Core i5-7Y54) vs 16 (Core i5-680) — the Core i5-680 offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-680
Socket	FCBGA1515	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	10	16+60%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7Y54) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core i5-7Y54) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7Y54 targets Tablet/2-in-1, Core i5-680 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-680
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 615	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Tablet/2-in-1	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7Y54 was priced at $281, while the Core i5-680 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($281 vs $294), Core i5-7Y54 was $13 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7Y54 delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-680 — making the Core i5-7Y54 the 3.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-680
MSRP	$281-4%	$294
Performance per Dollar	9.2+3%	8.9
Release Date	2016	2010

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