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.

Celeron E3400 vs Core i3-2310M 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.

Celeron E3400 vs Core i3-2310M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron E3400

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-2310M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (347 vs 350).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (624 vs 658).
❌Launch MSRP is still $53 MSRP, while Core i3-2310M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2310M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2310M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Celeron E3400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron E3400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2310M better than Celeron E3400?

Yes. Core i3-2310M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 5.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.2% higher 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, Core i3-2310M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 i3-2310M is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2310M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2310M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $53 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron E3400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (23.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core i3-2310M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron E3400 vs Core i3-2310M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron E3400

The Celeron E3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,220 points. Launch price was $76.

Core i3-2310M

The Core i3-2310M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 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: 1,222 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron E3400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2310M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron E3400 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310M — a 21.3% clock advantage for the Celeron E3400 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Celeron E3400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2310M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron E3400 scores 1,220 against the Core i3-2310M's 1,222 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2310M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 347 vs 350, a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-2310M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 624 vs 658 (5.3% advantage for the Core i3-2310M). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron E3400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310M.

Feature	Celeron E3400	Core i3-2310M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+24%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+24%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,220	1,222
Geekbench 6 Single	347	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	624	658+5%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron E3400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2310M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Celeron E3400 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2310M — the Core i3-2310M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2310M 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: 0 (Celeron E3400) vs 16 (Core i3-2310M) — the Core i3-2310M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: G31,G41,P35,P45 (Celeron E3400) and Sandy Bridge (Core i3-2310M).

Feature	Celeron E3400	Core i3-2310M
Socket	LGA775	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Celeron E3400) vs VT-x (Core i3-2310M). The Core i3-2310M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Celeron E3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron E3400 targets Budget, Core i3-2310M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron E3400 rivals Pentium E5200; Core i3-2310M rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.