CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3230M vs Intel Core i7-3667U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3230M (PGA variant, SR0WY) is a dual-core, quad-thread Ivy Bridge mobile processor in a socketed FC-PGA12F package for Intel Socket G2 (988B), offering 2.6 GHz base and 3.2 GHz turbo clocks with Intel HD 4000 graphics and the rare advantage of being upgradeable.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic office tasks but overwhelmed by modern web applications and multitasking demands.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
HD 4000 graphics provide minimal gaming capability, limited to very old titles at low settings.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Virtualization
VT-x and VT-d support is present, but two cores limit practical virtual machine usage.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
Standard 35 W mobile power consumption, unremarkable by modern efficiency standards.
17W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 or later instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 with 1100 MHz turbo is the limiting factor
- Playable in very old or lightweight games only
- The socketed nature means a discrete GPU upgrade path may exist in some laptop chassis
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 2D games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Socketed design allows CPU replacement and upgrades
- Socket G2 supports both Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors for flexible upgrade paths
- Intel HD 4000 was capable for its time
- VT-d and AES-NI support for business use
- Low cost on the used market for extending older laptop life
Cons
- Only two cores, completely insufficient for modern workloads
- No AVX2 instruction support
- 35 W TDP limits thin-and-light applicability
- Socket G2 platform has no future upgrade path beyond Ivy Bridge
- Obsolete for any meaningful 2026 computing
Pros
- Was efficient in 2012
- Good single-core burst performance
- 17W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3230M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Value
- Intel Core i7-3610MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A6-4400MRival
Mobile Budget
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade option for Socket G2 laptops that can handle the 35 W TDP.
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade within the same i5 tier.
Compare head-to-headHigher-clocked BGA alternative (not socket-compatible) with better graphics turbo.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-3667U
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3427URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2677MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-4555MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3517URival
Mobile
Successor with better efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The PGA variant of the i5-3230M is functionally identical to its BGA sibling in performance but offers the significant advantage of being socketed and replaceable. This made it popular in business laptops where field upgradeability was valued.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G2 laptop from an older Sandy Bridge processor to extend its useful life.
Read the full reviewA top-tier 2012 ultrabook chip, but its dual-core design is too slow for modern multitasking.
Best for: When considering the Intel Core i7-3667U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at a rock-bottom price. It remains capable of basic web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking and heavy web applications. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing or for students who need a basic word processor on the go. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended for better efficiency, security, and overall performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3230M or Intel Core i7-3667U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3230M comes out ahead with a score of 5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3230M or Intel Core i7-3667U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3230M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-3230M and Intel Core i7-3667U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3667U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3230M (35 W), Intel Core i7-3667U (17 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3230M and Intel Core i7-3667U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3230M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-3667U: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3230M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3230M (1,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.