Core i5-2310 vs Core i5-2320

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 i5-2310 vs Core i5-2320 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 i5-2310 vs Core i5-2320: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2310

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,664 vs 3,688).

Core i5-2320

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (560 vs 565).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2320 better than Core i5-2310?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2310 is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2320 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2320 is the better buy right now. Core i5-2320 comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $177 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2310 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.7% better value on MSRP (20.8 vs 20.7 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2320 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i5-2310 vs Core i5-2320 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2310

The Core i5-2310 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (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: 3,664 points. Launch price was $150.

Core i5-2320

The Core i5-2320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (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: 3,688 points. Launch price was $160.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2310 and Core i5-2320 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2310 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2320 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2320 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2310 scores 3,664 against the Core i5-2320's 3,688 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-2320. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 565 vs 560, a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-2310 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2310	Core i5-2320
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,664	3,688
Geekbench 6 Single	565	560
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,740	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2310) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2320).

Feature	Core i5-2310	Core i5-2320
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2310) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2320). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2310) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2320) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2320 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2320 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

Feature	Core i5-2310	Core i5-2320
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	—	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2310 was priced at $177, while the Core i5-2320 came in at $177. On launch pricing ($177 vs $177), Core i5-2320 was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2310 delivers 20.7 pts/$ vs 20.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-2320 — making the Core i5-2320 the 0.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2310	Core i5-2320
MSRP	$177	$177
Performance per Dollar	20.7	20.8
Release Date	2011	2011

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