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 i5-680 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.

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.

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 i5-680

Xeon E5-2618L v4

MSRP: $779|Avg: $33

144%

Celeron G1630

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

130%

Pentium G2010

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

125%

Core i3-550

MSRP: $138|Avg: $5

125%

#10

Pentium G2030T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

122%

#11

Athlon II X3 425

MSRP: $79|Avg: $5

122%

#12

Core i5-2400S

MSRP: $135|Avg: $10

122%

#13

Celeron G1830

MSRP: $52|Avg: $5

119%

#14

Core i3-540

MSRP: $133|Avg: $5

119%

#15

Celeron G1610

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

118%

#16

Core i5-2310

MSRP: $177|Avg: $12

117%

#17

Core i3-4130T

MSRP: $124|Avg: $10

110%

#18

Core i5-3340

MSRP: $182|Avg: $15

108%

#19

Pentium G640

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

105%

#20

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

101%

#21

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

100%

#22

Ryzen 7 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $60

99%

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

99%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

98%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

96%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

96%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

96%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

93%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

91%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

91%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

88%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

88%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

88%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

87%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

87%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

85%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-680 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-680 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-680 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 3.86 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 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 2,620, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-680
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.86 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	382 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,620

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-680 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.

Specification	Core i5-680
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1156
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-680 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-680
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-680 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.

Specification	Core i5-680
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	73 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $294), the Core i5-680 delivers 262 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2353 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-680
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$294
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$272
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2353
Release DateLaunch date	19 April 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$272
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	19 April 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2353

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	81 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)
Bus Speed	2.5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.86 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.6 GHz
Transistor Count	382 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	73 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-