Core i3-2310E vs Phenom X4 9600B
Core i3-2310E
Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2310E is positioned at rank 1130 and the Phenom X4 9600B is on rank 1055, so the Phenom X4 9600B offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2310E
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2310E | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2310E | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+0%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2310E and Phenom X4 9600B
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.
Phenom X4 9600B
The Phenom X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2310E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310E versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600B — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9600B. The Core i3-2310E uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2310E scores 1,845 against the Phenom X4 9600B's 1,842 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2310E. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310E vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600B.
| Feature | Core i3-2310E | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,845 | 1,842 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2310E uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i3-2310E versus DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9600B — the Core i3-2310E supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2310E) vs 0 (Phenom X4 9600B) — the Core i3-2310E offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-2310E | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-2310E) vs AMD-V (Phenom X4 9600B). The Core i3-2310E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom X4 9600B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom X4 9600B targets Business. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310E rivals Core i3-2330M.
| Feature | Core i3-2310E | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Business |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2310E launched at $225 MSRP, while the Phenom X4 9600B debuted at $278. At current prices ($20 vs $20), the Phenom X4 9600B is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2310E delivers 92.3 pts/$ vs 92.1 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9600B — making the Core i3-2310E the 0.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2310E | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-19% | $278 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20 | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 92.3 | 92.1 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
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