Core i3-4100M vs Core i5-4310U

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 i3-4100M vs Core i5-4310U 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 i3-4100M vs Core i5-4310U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4100M

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i5-4310U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-4310U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-4310U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,525 vs 2,531).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4100M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4100M better than Core i5-4310U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4310U is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4100M 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 i3-4100M 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 i3-4100M is the better buy right now. Core i3-4100M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-4310U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4310U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4100M vs Core i5-4310U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4100M

The Core i3-4100M 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,531 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-4310U

The Core i5-4310U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,525 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4100M and Core i5-4310U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-4100M versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-4310U — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4310U (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4100M scores 2,531 against the Core i5-4310U's 2,525 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4100M. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-4100M	Core i5-4310U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	3 GHz+20%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,531	2,525

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4100M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4310U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4100M	Core i5-4310U
Socket	PGA946	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4100M) / not specified (Core i5-4310U). The Core i3-4100M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-4310U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100M targets Mobile.