Core i3-2310M vs Pentium 997

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 Pentium 997 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 Pentium 997: 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: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium 997 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌2911.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 17W.

Pentium 997

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 512W, a 495W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-2310M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,215 vs 1,222).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Core i3-2310M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2310M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2310M better than Pentium 997?

Yes. Core i3-2310M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2310M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2310M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-2310M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-2310M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium 997 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, especially when the gap is already 3.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Pentium 997 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2310M vs Pentium 997 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.

Pentium 997

The Pentium 997 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,215 points. Launch price was $134.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2310M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 997's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310M versus 1.6 GHz on the Pentium 997 — a 27% clock advantage for the Core i3-2310M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2310M scores 1,222 against the Pentium 997's 1,215 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2310M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2310M vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 997.

Feature	Core i3-2310M	Pentium 997
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz+31%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+31%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,222	1,215
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	658	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2310M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 997 uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2310M	Pentium 997
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-2310M) / not specified (Pentium 997). The Core i3-2310M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium 997 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2310M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-2310M rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.