Core i3-5157U vs Core i5-3230M

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 i3-5157U vs Core i5-3230M 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 i3-5157U vs Core i5-3230M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5157U

2015

Why buy it

✅+40.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-3230M

2013

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (565 vs 793).
❌Lower PassMark (2,565 vs 2,593).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i3-5157U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5157U better than Core i5-3230M?

Yes. Core i3-5157U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-5157U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i3-5157U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-5157U is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-5157U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3230M 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 1.8% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i3-5157U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013) 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 i3-5157U vs Core i5-3230M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5157U

The Core i3-5157U 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,593 points. Launch price was $315.

Core i5-3230M

The Core i5-3230M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,565 points. Launch price was $225.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-5157U and Core i5-3230M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-5157U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-3230M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-5157U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3230M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5157U scores 2,593 against the Core i5-3230M's 2,565 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-5157U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 793 vs 565, a 33.6% lead for the Core i3-5157U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i5-3230M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,593+1%	2,565
Geekbench 6 Single	793+40%	565
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,128

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5157U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3230M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i3-5157U versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-3230M — the Core i3-5157U supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3230M 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: 12 (Core i3-5157U) vs 16 (Core i5-3230M) — the Core i5-3230M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i5-3230M
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866+17%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-5157U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3230M). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Graphics 6100 (Core i3-5157U) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3230M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5157U targets Premium Laptop, Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-5157U rivals A12-8800B; Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Core i5-3230M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Graphics 6100	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Premium Laptop	Gaming