Core i3-2370M vs Pentium E5300

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 i3-2370M vs Pentium E5300 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 i3-2370M vs Pentium E5300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2370M

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium E5300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium E5300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,370 vs 1,395).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 22.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $62 MSRP).

Pentium E5300

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $163 less on MSRP ($62 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 269.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.5 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($62 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E5300 better than Core i3-2370M?

Yes. Pentium E5300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium E5300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.7% 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 E5300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium E5300 is the better buy right now. Pentium E5300 comes in $163 cheaper on MSRP at $62 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 269.5% better value on MSRP (22.5 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2370M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2370M vs Pentium E5300 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2370M

The Core i3-2370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,370 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium E5300

The Pentium E5300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,395 points. Launch price was $64.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2370M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium E5300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-2370M versus 2.6 GHz on the Pentium E5300 — a 8% clock advantage for the Pentium E5300 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-2370M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium E5300 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2370M scores 1,370 against the Pentium E5300's 1,395 — a 1.8% lead for the Pentium E5300. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2370M vs 0 kB on the Pentium E5300.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium E5300
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
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	1,370	1,395+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	412	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	711	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2370M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium E5300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium E5300
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-2370M) / not specified (Pentium E5300). The Core i3-2370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium E5300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2370M targets Laptop.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium E5300
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Laptop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2370M was priced at $225, while the Pentium E5300 came in at $62. On launch pricing ($225 vs $62), Pentium E5300 was $163 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2370M delivers 6.1 pts/$ vs 22.5 pts/$ for the Pentium E5300 — making the Pentium E5300 the 114.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium E5300
MSRP	$225	$62-72%
Performance per Dollar	6.1	22.5+269%
Release Date	2012	2008

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