Core i3-2310M vs Core i5-430M

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 i3-2310M vs Core i5-430M 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 i3-2310M vs Core i5-430M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2310M

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 30 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (658 vs 750).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i5-430M

2010

Why buy it

✅+14% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-2310M across 30 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2310M better than Core i5-430M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2310M is ahead with a 3.3% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-430M pulls ahead with 14% better Geekbench multi-core.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-430M is the stronger fit. You are getting 14% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2310M still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-2310M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-2310M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2310M vs Core i5-430M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2310M

The Core i3-2310M 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: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,222 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-430M

The Core i5-430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,210 points. Launch price was $79.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2310M and Core i5-430M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310M versus 2.53 GHz on the Core i5-430M — a 18.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-430M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i3-2310M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-430M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2310M scores 1,222 against the Core i5-430M's 1,210 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-2310M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 350 vs 350, a 0% lead for the Core i5-430M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 658 vs 750 (13.1% advantage for the Core i5-430M). Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2310M	Core i5-430M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.53 GHz+20%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.26 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,222	1,210
Geekbench 6 Single	350	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	658	750+14%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2310M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-430M — the Core i3-2310M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2310M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Sandy Bridge (Core i3-2310M) and HM55 (Core i5-430M).

Feature	Core i3-2310M	Core i5-430M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 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 i3-2310M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-430M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2310M) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i5-430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2310M targets Budget, Core i5-430M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310M rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i5-430M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

Feature	Core i3-2310M	Core i5-430M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Performance Laptop