Core i3-2105 vs Core i3-2310E

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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-2310E 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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-2310E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2105

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 62.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.3 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,837 vs 1,845).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i3-2310E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2310E better than Core i3-2105?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2105 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2310E pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2310E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2310E is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2310E comes in 63.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i3-2105 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 62.3% better value on paper (13.3 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i3-2310E 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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-2310E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2105

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 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: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

Core i3-2310E

The Core i3-2310E 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: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,845 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2105 and Core i3-2310E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310E — a 38.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2105 scores 1,837 against the Core i3-2310E's 1,845 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-2310E. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2310E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+48%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+48%	2.1 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	1,837	1,845

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2105 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2310E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2105 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	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2310E
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
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 i3-2105) vs true (Core i3-2310E). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2105) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2310E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310E rivals Core i3-2330M.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2310E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2105 was priced at $138, while the Core i3-2310E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-2105 was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2105 delivers 13.3 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-2310E — making the Core i3-2105 the 47.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2310E
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	13.3+62%	8.2
Release Date	2011	2011

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