Core i7-3667U vs Pentium Silver N5000

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 i7-3667U vs Pentium Silver N5000 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 i7-3667U vs Pentium Silver N5000: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3667U

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium Silver N5000 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Pentium Silver N5000

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,442 vs 2,451).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3667U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3667U better than Pentium Silver N5000?

Yes. Core i7-3667U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3667U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i7-3667U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3667U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3667U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Pentium Silver N5000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3667U vs Pentium Silver N5000 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3667U

The Core i7-3667U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 2,451 points. Launch price was $346.

Pentium Silver N5000

The Pentium Silver N5000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2017 (7 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,442 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3667U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium Silver N5000 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium Silver N5000 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3667U versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium Silver N5000 — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3667U (base: 2 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i7-3667U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium Silver N5000 uses Goldmont Plus (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3667U scores 2,451 against the Pentium Silver N5000's 2,442 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-3667U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3667U vs 4 MB on the Pentium Silver N5000.

Feature	Core i7-3667U	Pentium Silver N5000
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+19%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+82%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+6300%	4 MB (total)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Goldmont Plus (2017)
PassMark	2,451	2,442

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3667U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium Silver N5000 uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3667U	Pentium Silver N5000
Socket	BGA1023	FCBGA1090
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-3667U) / not specified (Pentium Silver N5000). The Core i7-3667U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium Silver N5000 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3667U rivals AMD A10-4655M.