
Core i3-2312M vs A4-3310MX

Core i3-2312M

A4-3310MX
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 i3-2312M is positioned at rank 1200 and the A4-3310MX is on rank 887, so the A4-3310MX offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2312M
Performance Per Dollar A4-3310MX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2312M | A4-3310MX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2312M | A4-3310MX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-2312M and A4-3310MX

Core i3-2312M
The Core i3-2312M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 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: 1,189 points. Launch price was $225.

A4-3310MX
The A4-3310MX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,190 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2312M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A4-3310MX's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M versus 2.5 GHz on the A4-3310MX — a 17.4% clock advantage for the A4-3310MX (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i3-2312M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A4-3310MX uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2312M scores 1,189 against the A4-3310MX's 1,190 — a 0.1% lead for the A4-3310MX. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M vs 0 kB on the A4-3310MX.
| Feature | Core i3-2312M | A4-3310MX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.5 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,189 | 1,190 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 273 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 731 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2312M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A4-3310MX uses FS1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i3-2312M versus DDR3-1333 on the A4-3310MX — the Core i3-2312M supports 199.1% 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-2312M | A4-3310MX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FS1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-2312M) vs AMD-V (A4-3310MX). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2312M) and Radeon HD 6480G (A4-3310MX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3310MX targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-3310MX rivals Pentium B960.
| Feature | Core i3-2312M | A4-3310MX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon HD 6480G |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Laptop |
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