Core i3-5005U vs Core i5-2430M

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 i3-5005U vs Core i5-2430M 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 i3-5005U vs Core i5-2430M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5005U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,012 vs 2,015).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i3-5005U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2430M better than Core i3-5005U?

Yes. Core i5-2430M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 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, Core i5-2430M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2430M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2430M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2430M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-5005U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-5005U vs Core i5-2430M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5005U

The Core i3-5005U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,012 points. Launch price was $275.

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5005U and Core i5-2430M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-5005U versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i5-2430M (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-5005U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2430M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5005U scores 2,012 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2430M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-5005U	Core i5-2430M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3 GHz+50%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.4 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,012	2,015
Geekbench 6 Single	617	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,227	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5005U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2430M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5005U versus 1333 on the Core i5-2430M — the Core i3-5005U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5005U) vs 16 (Core i5-2430M) — the Core i5-2430M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Broadwell-U (Core i3-5005U) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).

Feature	Core i3-5005U	Core i5-2430M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5005U) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.