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 i3-2310E vs Core i7-740QM 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 i3-2310E vs Core i7-740QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2310E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $153 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 68.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.2 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-740QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-740QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,842 vs 1,845).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2310E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2310E better than Core i7-740QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-740QM is ahead with a 3.0% 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 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-740QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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 0.2% 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 the better buy right now. Core i3-2310E comes in $153 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-740QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 68.3% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 4.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2310E 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 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2310E vs Core i7-740QM Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-740QM

The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2310E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-740QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310E versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 33% clock advantage for the Core i7-740QM (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2310E uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2310E scores 1,845 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2310E. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310E vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.

Feature	Core i3-2310E	Core i7-740QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.93 GHz+40%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+21%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,845	1,842

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2310E uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2310E supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2310E) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM).

Feature	Core i3-2310E	Core i7-740QM
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16+100%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i3-2310E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310E rivals Core i3-2330M; Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i3-2310E	Core i7-740QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2310E was priced at $225, while the Core i7-740QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($225 vs $378), Core i3-2310E was $153 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2310E delivers 8.2 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-740QM — making the Core i3-2310E the 50.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2310E	Core i7-740QM
MSRP	$225-40%	$378
Performance per Dollar	8.2+67%	4.9
Release Date	2011	2010

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