Core i3-2357M vs Core i3-4030Y

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 i3-2357M vs Core i3-4030Y 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 i3-2357M vs Core i3-4030Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 512W, a 495W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-4030Y needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,645 vs 1,654).

Core i3-4030Y

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌2911.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4030Y better than Core i3-2357M?

Yes. Core i3-4030Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better 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 i3-4030Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% more average FPS across 48 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4030Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4030Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-4030Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-4030Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) 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 i3-2357M vs Core i3-4030Y Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

Core i3-4030Y

The Core i3-4030Y 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,654 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2357M and Core i3-4030Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M versus 1.6 GHz on the Core i3-4030Y — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-4030Y (base: 1.3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-2357M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-4030Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2357M scores 1,645 against the Core i3-4030Y's 1,654 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-4030Y. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M vs 3 MB on the Core i3-4030Y.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Core i3-4030Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz	1.6 GHz+23%
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	1.6 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,645	1,654
Cinebench R23 Multi	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	440	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2357M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4030Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Core i3-4030Y
Socket	BGA1023	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
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 i3-2357M) / not specified (Core i3-4030Y). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-4030Y requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.