A4-3310MX vs Core i3-2312M

A4-3310MX vs Core i3-2312M Performance Spectrum

A4-3310MX

2 / 2

1,190

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2312M

2 / 4

1,189

0.0%

Atom E3827

Celeron B820

Celeron P4505

Celeron Dual-Core T1700

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.

A4-3310MX vs Core i3-2312M 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.

A4-3310MX vs Core i3-2312M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-3310MX

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-2312M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,189 vs 1,190).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A4-3310MX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-3310MX better than Core i3-2312M?

Yes. A4-3310MX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A4-3310MX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-3310MX is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A4-3310MX is still the much better call for a fresh build. A4-3310MX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2312M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i3-2312M is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

A4-3310MX vs Core i3-2312M Technical Specifications

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

A4-3310MX

The A4-3310MX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,190 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i3-2312M

The Core i3-2312M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,189 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The A4-3310MX packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2312M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A4-3310MX versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M — a 17.4% clock advantage for the A4-3310MX (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The A4-3310MX uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2312M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3310MX scores 1,190 against the Core i3-2312M's 1,189 — a 0.1% lead for the A4-3310MX. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-3310MX vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M.

Feature	A4-3310MX	Core i3-2312M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,190	1,189
Geekbench 6 Single	273	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	731

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Memory & Platform

The A4-3310MX uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2312M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	A4-3310MX	Core i3-2312M
Socket	FS1	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-3310MX) vs true (Core i3-2312M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6480G (A4-3310MX) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2312M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3310MX targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-3310MX rivals Pentium B960.