Core i7-3687U vs Core i5-680
Core i7-3687U
Core i5-680
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 i7-3687U is positioned at rank 654 and the Core i5-680 is on rank 1014, so the Core i7-3687U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3687U
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-680
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3687U | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3687U | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
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 i7-3687U and Core i5-680
Core i7-3687U
The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3687U and Core i5-680 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 15.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3687U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3687U scores 2,621 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-3687U. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-3687U | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.86 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+71% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,621 | 2,620 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 640 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,240 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3687U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i7-3687U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-3687U | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3687U) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast, Core i5-680 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.
| Feature | Core i7-3687U | Core i5-680 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Enthusiast | Desktop |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-3687U and Core i5-680
