Core i3-2102 vs Core i5-3317U

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 i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U: 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

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-3317U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i5-3317U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-3317U

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,029).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2102.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2102 better than Core i5-3317U?

Yes. Core i3-2102 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2102 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, 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 at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-3317U 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.

Core i3-2102 vs Core i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U

The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2102 and Core i5-3317U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-2102 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3317U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2102 scores 2,029 against the Core i5-3317U's 2,014 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2102. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i5-3317U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+19%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+82%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,029	2,014
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 i5-3317U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2102 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3317U — the Core i5-3317U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3317U).

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i5-3317U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 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 i5-3317U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2102) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3317U) — 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 i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.