Core i3-2312M vs Core i5-430UM

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 i3-2312M vs Core i5-430UM 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 i3-2312M vs Core i5-430UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2312M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-430UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.

Core i5-430UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (500 vs 731).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2312M better than Core i5-430UM?

Yes. Core i3-2312M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 46.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.3% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2312M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i3-2312M is the stronger fit. You are getting 46.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2312M is the better buy right now. Core i3-2312M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2312M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2312M vs Core i5-430UM Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2312M 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: 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+67%	DDR3-800
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: 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.