Core i3-2310E vs Pentium 1403

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 Pentium 1403 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 Pentium 1403: 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

✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium 1403 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,845 vs 1,851).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 5 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Pentium 1403 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 1403

2012

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (5 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2310E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 1403 better than Core i3-2310E?

Yes. Pentium 1403 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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, Pentium 1403 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Pentium 1403 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (5 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Pentium 1403 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Pentium 1403 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2310E only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Pentium 1403 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011), 66.7% larger total L3 cache (5 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2310E vs Pentium 1403 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.

Pentium 1403

The Pentium 1403 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 5 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,851 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2310E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 1403's 2 cores. The Core i3-2310E is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-2310E scores 1,845 against the Pentium 1403's 1,851 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium 1403. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310E vs 5 MB on the Pentium 1403.

Feature	Core i3-2310E	Pentium 1403
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.6 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	5 MB+67%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,845	1,851

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-2310E) / not specified (Pentium 1403). The Core i3-2310E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium 1403 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310E rivals Core i3-2330M.