
Core i3-2312M vs Core i5-430UM

Core i3-2312M

Core i5-430UM
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2312M
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-430UM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2312M | Core 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
| Insight | Core i3-2312M | Core i5-430UM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Core i5-430UM

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.

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.
| Feature | Core i3-2312M | Core 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).
| Feature | Core i3-2312M | Core 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.
| Feature | Core i3-2312M | Core 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 |
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