Core i3-4030U vs Core i5-2515E

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 i3-4030U vs Core i5-2515E 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 i3-4030U vs Core i5-2515E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4030U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,876 vs 1,882).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core i5-2515E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2515E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-2515E

2011

Why buy it

✅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 Core i3-4030U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2515E better than Core i3-4030U?

Yes. Core i5-2515E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2515E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, Core i5-2515E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2515E is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-2515E comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-4030U only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.8% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i3-4030U 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 i3-4030U vs Core i5-2515E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4030U

The Core i3-4030U 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 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-2515E

The Core i5-2515E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4030U and Core i5-2515E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4030U versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i5-2515E — a 27.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-2515E (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-4030U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2515E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4030U scores 1,876 against the Core i5-2515E's 1,882 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2515E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4030U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2515E.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Core i5-2515E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2.5 GHz+32%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.5 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,876	1,882
Geekbench 6 Single	—	530

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4030U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2515E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Core i5-2515E
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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: not specified (Core i3-4030U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2515E). The Core i5-2515E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-4030U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2515E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Core i5-2515E
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4030U was priced at $281, while the Core i5-2515E came in at $0. On launch pricing ($281 vs $0), Core i5-2515E was $281 cheaper.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Core i5-2515E
MSRP	$281	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	6.7	—
Release Date	2014	2011

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