Core i3-2332M vs Pentium 3560M

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 i3-2332M vs Pentium 3560M 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 i3-2332M vs Pentium 3560M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2332M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium 3560M needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium 3560M

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,345 vs 1,353).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2332M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2332M better than Pentium 3560M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium 3560M is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2332M pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i3-2332M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2332M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-2332M still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-2332M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark.

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

Pentium 3560M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2332M vs Pentium 3560M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2332M

The Core i3-2332M 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,353 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium 3560M

The Pentium 3560M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,345 points. Launch price was $134.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2332M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 3560M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2332M versus 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 3560M — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Pentium 3560M (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-2332M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium 3560M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2332M scores 1,353 against the Pentium 3560M's 1,345 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2332M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2332M vs 2 MB on the Pentium 3560M.

Feature	Core i3-2332M	Pentium 3560M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.4 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.4 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,353	1,345
Geekbench 6 Single	369	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2332M uses the G2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 3560M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2332M	Pentium 3560M
Socket	G2	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2332M) / not specified (Pentium 3560M). The Core i3-2332M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium 3560M requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2332M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2332M rivals A6-3400M.