A6-5350M vs Core i3-2312M

A6-5350M vs Core i3-2312M Performance Spectrum

A6-5350M

2 / 2

1,199

+0.8%

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.

A6-5350M 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.

A6-5350M 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.

A6-5350M

2013

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 1,199).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A6-5350M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-5350M better than Core i3-2312M?

Yes. A6-5350M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A6-5350M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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, A6-5350M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A6-5350M is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-5350M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2312M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

A6-5350M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-5350M vs Core i3-2312M Technical Specifications

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

A6-5350M

The A6-5350M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,199 points. Launch price was $70.

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 A6-5350M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2312M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the A6-5350M versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M — a 50% clock advantage for the A6-5350M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The A6-5350M uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2312M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-5350M scores 1,199 against the Core i3-2312M's 1,189 — a 0.8% lead for the A6-5350M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-5350M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M.

Feature	A6-5350M	Core i3-2312M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+67%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+38%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2048 kB+700%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,199	1,189
Geekbench 6 Single	323	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	731

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Memory & Platform

The A6-5350M uses the FS1r2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2312M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A6-5350M versus 1333 on the Core i3-2312M — the A6-5350M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-5350M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	A6-5350M	Core i3-2312M
Socket	FS1r2	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	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 (A6-5350M) vs true (Core i3-2312M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8450G (A6-5350M) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2312M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-5350M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-5350M rivals Core i3-3110M.