Core i3-2102 vs Core i5-2430M

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.

Core i3-2102 vs Core i5-2430M 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.

Core i3-2102 vs Core i5-2430M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2102

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $108 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 93.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.3 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-2430M.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,029).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2102.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2102 better than Core i5-2430M?

Yes. Core i3-2102 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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, Core i3-2102 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2102 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2102 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2102 comes in $108 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 93.6% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2102 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2102 vs Core i5-2430M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2102

The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2102 and Core i5-2430M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2102 scores 2,029 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2102. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i5-2430M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+3%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+29%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,029	2,015
Geekbench 6 Single	515	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,082	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2102 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2430M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2102 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. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i5-2430M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	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: VT-x (Core i3-2102) vs true (Core i5-2430M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2102) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i5-2430M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Office Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2102 was priced at $117, while the Core i5-2430M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($117 vs $225), Core i3-2102 was $108 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2102 delivers 17.3 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2430M — making the Core i3-2102 the 63.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i5-2430M
MSRP	$117-48%	$225
Performance per Dollar	17.3+92%	9.0
Release Date	2011	2011

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