Core i3-2312M
VS
Core i5-430UM

Core i3-2312M vs Core i5-430UM

Intel

Core i3-2312M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2011
VS
Intel

Core i5-430UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.73 GHz2010

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 Core i5-430UM is on rank 934, so the Core i5-430UM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2312M

#1188
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
5557%
#1189
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
5475%
#1190
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
5027%
#1191
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
5004%
#1192
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
4958%
#1194
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
4788%
#1195
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
4591%
#1196
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
4583%
#1197
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
4460%
#1200
Core i3-2312M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
100%
#1201
Celeron 857
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
100%
#1202
Celeron 925
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
99%
#1203
Core 2 Duo U7700
MSRP: $262|Avg: $10
97%
#1204
Core 2 Duo E8135
MSRP: $200|Avg: $15
97%
#1205
Core Duo T2400
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
96%
#1206
Core 2 Duo U7600
MSRP: $250|Avg: $5
96%
#1207
Pentium M 735
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
94%
#1208
Core i7-620LM
MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A
92%
#1209
Core i7-740QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
92%
#1211
Core 2 Solo SU3300
MSRP: $262|Avg: $50
90%
#1212
Celeron 540
MSRP: $86|Avg: $5
90%
#1213
Celeron U3600
MSRP: $134|Avg: $134
88%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-430UM

#922
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1683%
#923
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1659%
#924
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1523%
#925
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1516%
#926
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1502%
#928
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1450%
#929
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1391%
#930
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1388%
#931
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1351%
#934
Core i5-430UM
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#939
FX-7600P
MSRP: $150|Avg: $45
98%
#940
Athlon II M300
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
98%
#944
Athlon Neo X2 L335
MSRP: $80|Avg: $15
95%
#945
Core i7-3610QE
MSRP: $315|Avg: $105
95%
#948
A8-8600P
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core i3-2312M delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i5-430UM in both compute-intensive tasks (0.3% faster) and gaming workloads.
InsightCore i3-2312MCore i5-430UM
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($225)
More affordable ($0)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightCore i3-2312MCore i5-430UM
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($225)
More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 Core i5-430UM

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-430UM

The Core i5-430UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.73 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,185 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2312M and Core i5-430UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M versus 1.73 GHz on the Core i5-430UM — a 19.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-2312M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i3-2312M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-430UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2312M scores 1,189 against the Core i5-430UM's 1,185 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2312M. Multi-core Geekbench: 731 vs 500 (37.5% advantage for the Core i3-2312M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M vs 3 MB on the Core i5-430UM.

FeatureCore i3-2312MCore i5-430UM
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.1 GHz+21%
1.73 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz+75%
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
3 MB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,189
1,185
Geekbench 6 Single
250
Geekbench 6 Multi
731+46%
500
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2312M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-430UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i3-2312M versus DDR3-800 on the Core i5-430UM — the Core i3-2312M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2312M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i3-2312M) and HM55 (Core i5-430UM).

FeatureCore i3-2312MCore i5-430UM
Socket
PGA988
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1333+44333%
DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity
16
8 GB+52428700%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-2312M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-430UM). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2312M) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i5-430UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-430UM targets Legacy Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i5-430UM rivals Pentium SU7300.

FeatureCore i3-2312MCore i5-430UM
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Legacy Ultrabook