Core i3-2312M vs Pentium E5800

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 Pentium E5800 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 Pentium E5800: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium E5800 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,189 vs 1,190).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.3 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Pentium E5800

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $161 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 251.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.6 vs 5.3 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2312M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E5800 better than Core i3-2312M?

Yes. Pentium E5800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium E5800 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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, Pentium E5800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium E5800 is the better buy right now. Pentium E5800 comes in $161 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 251.9% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 5.3 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2312M vs Pentium E5800 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.

Pentium E5800

The Pentium E5800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 November 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,190 points. Launch price was $68.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2312M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium E5800's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium E5800 — a 41.5% clock advantage for the Pentium E5800 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-2312M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium E5800 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2312M scores 1,189 against the Pentium E5800's 1,190 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium E5800. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M vs 0 kB on the Pentium E5800.

Feature	Core i3-2312M	Pentium E5800
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+52%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (total)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,189	1,190
Geekbench 6 Multi	731	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2312M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium E5800 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2312M	Pentium E5800
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-2312M) / not specified (Pentium E5800). The Core i3-2312M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium E5800 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-2312M	Pentium E5800
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2312M was priced at $225, while the Pentium E5800 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($225 vs $64), Pentium E5800 was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2312M delivers 5.3 pts/$ vs 18.6 pts/$ for the Pentium E5800 — making the Pentium E5800 the 111.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2312M	Pentium E5800
MSRP	$225	$64-72%
Performance per Dollar	5.3	18.6+251%
Release Date	2011	2010

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