A6-3430MX vs Core i3-2370M

AMD

A6-3430MX

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2370M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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A6-3430MX vs Core i3-2370M Performance Spectrum

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.

A6-3430MX vs Core i3-2370M 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.

A6-3430MX vs Core i3-2370M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-3430MX

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • 28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Core i3-2370M

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A6-3430MX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,370 vs 1,389).
  • Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A6-3430MX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-3430MX better than Core i3-2370M?
Yes. A6-3430MX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, A6-3430MX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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, A6-3430MX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-3430MX is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-3430MX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2370M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (6.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2370M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-3430MX vs Core i3-2370M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-3430MX

The A6-3430MX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,389 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Core i3-2370M

The Core i3-2370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,370 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The A6-3430MX packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2370M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3430MX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3430MX versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-2370M — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The A6-3430MX uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2370M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3430MX scores 1,389 against the Core i3-2370M's 1,370 — a 1.4% lead for the A6-3430MX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 254 vs 412, a 47.4% lead for the Core i3-2370M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-3430MX vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2370M.

FeatureA6-3430MXCore i3-2370M
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
2.4 GHz+41%
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
1,389+1%
1,370
Geekbench 6 Single
254
412+62%
Geekbench 6 Multi
711
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Memory & Platform

The A6-3430MX uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2370M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A6-3430MX versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2370M — the A6-3430MX supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2370M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureA6-3430MXCore i3-2370M
Socket
FS1
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
16 GB+100%
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 (A6-3430MX) vs VT-x (Core i3-2370M). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 6520G (A6-3430MX) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2370M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3430MX targets Budget Laptop, Core i3-2370M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-3430MX rivals Core i3-2350M.

FeatureA6-3430MXCore i3-2370M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6520G
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Budget Laptop
Laptop