Core i5-2310 vs Core i5-4460T

Intel

Core i5-2310

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4460T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-2310 vs Core i5-4460T Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-4460T 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 i5-4460T: 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

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $10 less on MSRP ($177 MSRP vs $187 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (565 vs 807).
  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Core i5-4460T

2014

Why buy it

  • +42.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,651 vs 3,664).
  • 5.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $187 MSRPvs$177 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4460T better than Core i5-2310?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4460T is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2310 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2310 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-4460T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4460T comes in 5.6% more expensive on MSRP at $187 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2310 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 6.0% better value on paper (20.7 vs 19.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4460T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2310 vs Core i5-4460T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-4460T

The Core i5-4460T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,651 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2310 and Core i5-4460T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2310 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-4460T — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2310 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i5-2310 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4460T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2310 scores 3,664 against the Core i5-4460T's 3,651 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2310. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 565 vs 807, a 35.3% lead for the Core i5-4460T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-2310Core i5-4460T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+19%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+53%
1.9 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
3,664
3,651
Geekbench 6 Single
565
807+43%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,740
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2310 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4460T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2310 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4460T — the Core i5-4460T supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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 H81,H87,Z87,Q87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4460T).

FeatureCore i5-2310Core i5-4460T
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1600+20%
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, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4460T). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2310) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4460T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4460T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4460T rivals A8-7600.

FeatureCore i5-2310Core i5-4460T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 2000
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2310 was priced at $177, while the Core i5-4460T came in at $187. On launch pricing ($177 vs $187), Core i5-2310 was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2310 delivers 20.7 pts/$ vs 19.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-4460T — making the Core i5-2310 the 5.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2310Core i5-4460T
MSRP
$177-5%
$187
Performance per Dollar
20.7+6%
19.5
Release Date
2011
2014

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