Core i3-2357M vs Phenom II X4 N970

Core i3-2357M vs Phenom II X4 N970 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-2357M

2 / 4

1,645

0.0%

1,647

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-2357M vs Phenom II X4 N970 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 Phenom II X4 N970: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Phenom II X4 N970 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,645 vs 1,647).
❌750% higher power demand at 17W vs 2W.

Phenom II X4 N970

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 17W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 N970 better than Core i3-2357M?

Yes. Phenom II X4 N970 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 48 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, Phenom II X4 N970 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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, Phenom II X4 N970 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II X4 N970 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 N970 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-2357M 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 i3-2357M vs Phenom II X4 N970 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.

Phenom II X4 N970

The Phenom II X4 N970 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2357M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 N970 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 N970 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 N970 — a 51.4% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 N970. The Core i3-2357M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X4 N970 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2357M scores 1,645 against the Phenom II X4 N970's 1,647 — a 0.1% lead for the Phenom II X4 N970.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Phenom II X4 N970
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz	2.2 GHz+69%
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,645	1,647
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 Phenom II X4 N970 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Phenom II X4 N970
Socket	BGA1023	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
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 (Phenom II X4 N970). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom II X4 N970 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.