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 i3-9100HL vs Core i5-2300 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 i3-9100HL vs Core i5-2300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100HL

2019

Why buy it

✅+101% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 25W instead of 95W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2300.

Core i5-2300

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $48 less on MSRP ($177 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 27.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.6 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-9100HL.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (516 vs 1,037).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,515 vs 2,373).
❌280% higher power demand at 95W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100HL better than Core i5-2300?

Yes. Core i3-9100HL is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 56.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i3-9100HL is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i3-9100HL is the stronger fit. You are getting 56.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9100HL is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-9100HL comes in 27.1% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 27.9% better value on paper (19.6 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i3-9100HL makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9100HL vs Core i5-2300 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100HL

The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-2300

The Core i5-2300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,475 points. Launch price was $168.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9100HL and Core i5-2300 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2300 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-2300 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-9100HL uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2300 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100HL scores 3,454 against the Core i5-2300's 3,475 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,037 vs 516, a 67.1% lead for the Core i3-9100HL that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,373 vs 1,515 (44.1% advantage for the Core i3-9100HL). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2300.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-2300
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.1 GHz+7%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.8 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,454	3,475
Geekbench 6 Single	1,037+101%	516
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,373+57%	1,515

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100HL uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2300 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2300 — the Core i3-9100HL supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100HL supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 Series (Core i3-9100HL) and H61,P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2300).

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-2300
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4 2666 MHz+100%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-9100HL) vs Yes (Core i5-2300). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9100HL) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2300) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-2300
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	Yes
Target Use	Embedded	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100HL was priced at $225, while the Core i5-2300 came in at $177. On launch pricing ($225 vs $177), Core i5-2300 was $48 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100HL delivers 15.4 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-2300 — making the Core i5-2300 the 24.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i5-2300
MSRP	$225	$177-21%
Performance per Dollar	15.4	19.6+27%
Release Date	2019	2011

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