Core i7-680UM vs Phenom X3 8450e

Core i7-680UM vs Phenom X3 8450e Performance Spectrum

Core i7-680UM

2 / 4

1,196

0.0%

1,206

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i7-680UM vs Phenom X3 8450e 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 i7-680UM vs Phenom X3 8450e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-680UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 65W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,196 vs 1,206).

Phenom X3 8450e

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌261.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 18W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-680UM better than Phenom X3 8450e?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-680UM is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8450e pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark. Core i7-680UM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8450e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Core i7-680UM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-680UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-680UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-680UM vs Phenom X3 8450e Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-680UM

The Core i7-680UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.46 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,196 points. Launch price was $317.

Phenom X3 8450e

The Phenom X3 8450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,206 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-680UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X3 8450e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8450e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core i7-680UM versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8450e — a 18.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-680UM. The Core i7-680UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8450e uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-680UM scores 1,196 against the Phenom X3 8450e's 1,206 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom X3 8450e. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-680UM vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8450e.

Feature	Core i7-680UM	Phenom X3 8450e
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz+20%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	1.46 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+100%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Toliman (2008)
PassMark	1,196	1,206

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-680UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8450e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.