Atom x5-E3930 vs Core i3-2312M

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.

Atom x5-E3930 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.

Atom x5-E3930 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.

Atom x5-E3930

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 7W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,185 vs 1,189).

Core i3-2312M

2011

Why buy it

✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Atom x5-E3930 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌7776.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 6.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2312M better than Atom x5-E3930?

Yes. Core i3-2312M 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 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2312M 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, Core i3-2312M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2312M is the better buy right now. Core i3-2312M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Atom x5-E3930 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-E3930 vs Core i3-2312M Technical Specifications

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

Atom x5-E3930

The Atom x5-E3930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 7 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,185 points. Launch price was $69.

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 Atom x5-E3930 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2312M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Atom x5-E3930 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-2312M (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Atom x5-E3930 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2312M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E3930 scores 1,185 against the Core i3-2312M's 1,189 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2312M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-E3930 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M.

Feature	Atom x5-E3930	Core i3-2312M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	2.1 GHz+17%
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	2.1 GHz+62%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,185	1,189
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	731

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Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-E3930 uses the FCBGA1296 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 DDR3L-1866 on the Atom x5-E3930 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2312M — the Atom x5-E3930 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2312M 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. PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom x5-E3930) vs 16 (Core i3-2312M) — the Core i3-2312M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1296 (Atom x5-E3930) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i3-2312M).

Feature	Atom x5-E3930	Core i3-2312M
Socket	FCBGA1296	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1866+40%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-E3930) / true (Core i3-2312M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 500 (Atom x5-E3930) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2312M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU.