CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-650 vs Intel Core i5-670
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-650 is a dual-core desktop processor from the Clarkdale generation, featuring Hyper-Threading and integrated Intel HD Graphics, launched in early 2010.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Extremely slow by modern standards for any productivity application.
Slightly better single-threaded performance than other Clarkdales, but still completely inadequate for modern productivity.
Gaming
Cannot run modern games at playable frame rates. Only suitable for pre-2010 titles.
Even with high clock speeds, the dual-core design cannot run modern games.
Virtualization
Two cores with Hyper-Threading offer minimal utility for virtualization.
Two cores with Hyper-Threading are insufficient for meaningful virtualization.
Efficiency
73W TDP for two cores is poor efficiency compared to modern chips.
73W for a dual-core is acceptable for the era but poor by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration instructions
- Far too slow for any ML workload
- No AI capabilities whatsoever
- Far too slow for any ML workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- No modern game will run acceptably
- Integrated HD Graphics cannot handle 3D workloads
- Only viable for 2D or browser-based games
- High clock speed cannot overcome dual-core bottleneck
- Integrated graphics far too weak for any 3D workload
- Was overpriced for gaming even in 2010
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Historically significant as first 32nm desktop CPU
- Integrated graphics for basic display output
- Hyper-Threading helps with light multitasking
- Low used-market cost
Cons
- Only two cores, completely insufficient today
- Extremely slow by any modern standard
- No AVX instruction support
- Obsolete LGA 1156 platform with no upgrade path
- Integrated graphics cannot handle any 3D workload
Pros
- Highest stock clock in Clarkdale lineup
- Strong single-threaded performance for 2010
- Integrated graphics eliminate need for discrete GPU in basic builds
- 32nm process kept power at 73W despite high clocks
Cons
- Priced at $284, more than the superior quad-core i5-750
- Only two cores regardless of clock speed
- Poor value at launch and completely obsolete now
- No AVX support
- Integrated graphics too weak for any meaningful 3D work
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-650
- AMD Athlon II X4 635Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X2 560Rival
Dual-Core Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 925Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400Rival
Legacy Quad-Core
- AMD Phenom II X4 945Alt
Four cores at a similar price point in 2010.
- Intel Core i3-530Alt
Similar performance at a lower price if integrated graphics were needed.
Intel Core i5-670
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 965Rival
High-Frequency Quad-Core
- AMD Phenom II X2 570Rival
Dual-Core Desktop
- Intel Core i7-860Rival
Lynnfield i7
- AMD Phenom II X4 955Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
Our Verdict on Each
A historically significant processor that introduced 32nm manufacturing to desktops, but completely obsolete for any modern workload.
Best for: Keeping an existing LGA 1156 system running for basic tasks
Read the full reviewAt $284, the i5-670 was paradoxically more expensive than the quad-core i5-750 while offering inferior multi-threaded performance. A poor value even at launch.
Best for: Collecting unusual Intel processor SKUs
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-650 or Intel Core i5-670?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-650 comes out ahead with a score of 3.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i5-650 and Intel Core i5-670 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1156 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-670 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-650 (4,350), Intel Core i5-670 (4,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.