Core i5-670
CPU·Budget

Core i5-670

Intel

PassMark

2,553

MSRP

$284

AVG Price

$100

7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
73 Watt
Clarkdale (2010−2011)

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.

Overview

The Core i5-670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 2,553 points. Launch price was $252.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-670 is positioned at rank #1013 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-670

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
34674%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
32763%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
23789%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
7167%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
5677%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
4966%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
2844%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
2807%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2556%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2556%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2527%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2459%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2425%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2415%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2393%
#1013
Core i5-670
MSRP: $284|Avg: $100
100%
#1014
Core i5-680
MSRP: $294|Avg: $10
99%
#1015
Core 2 Duo E4300
MSRP: $113|Avg: $5
99%
#1017
Core 2 Duo E4500
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
97%
#1019
Core 2 Duo E7600
MSRP: $133|Avg: $50
96%
#1020
Core i7-3970X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $60
96%
#1021
Core 2 Duo E8700
MSRP: $256|Avg: $30
96%
#1022
Core 2 Duo E6550
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
95%
#1023
Phenom X3 8450
MSRP: $145|Avg: $147
94%
#1024
Core i7-3960X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $60
94%
#1025
Celeron 2.70
MSRP: $49|Avg: $49
93%
#1027
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
90%
#1028
Core 2 Quad Q8200
MSRP: $224|Avg: $36
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-670 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-670 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.73 GHz from a base frequency of 3.46 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,553, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 638.

SpecificationCore i5-670
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.73 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.46 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designClarkdale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor81 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities382 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)73 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,553
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming638
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-670 fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-670
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1156
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUH55,H57,P55,Q57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-670 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Phenom II X4 955.

SpecificationCore i5-670
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryLegacy Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPhenom II X4 955
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-670 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 73 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationCore i5-670
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload73 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxYes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $100 (MSRP: $284), the Core i5-670 delivers 26 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1013 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2373 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-670
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$284
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$100
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$252
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1013
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2373
Release DateLaunch date7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i5-670

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