Core i3-3110M vs Core i3-4010U

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 i3-3110M vs Core i3-4010U 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 i3-3110M vs Core i3-4010U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3110M

2012

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,656 vs 1,660).

Core i3-4010U

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4010U better than Core i3-3110M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3110M is ahead with a 2.3% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4010U pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4010U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4010U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-4010U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-4010U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) 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 i3-3110M vs Core i3-4010U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3110M

The Core i3-3110M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,656 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i3-4010U

The Core i3-4010U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3110M and Core i3-4010U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-3110M versus 1.7 GHz on the Core i3-4010U — a 34.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-3110M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-3110M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-4010U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3110M scores 1,656 against the Core i3-4010U's 1,660 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4010U. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3110M	Core i3-4010U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+41%	1.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+41%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,656	1,660
Geekbench 6 Single	424	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	846	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3110M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-4010U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-3110M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3110M) vs 12 (Core i3-4010U) — the Core i3-3110M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-3110M	Core i3-4010U
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3110M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4010U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3110M) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4010U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3110M targets Legacy Laptop, Core i3-4010U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i3-3110M rivals AMD A8-4500M.