Core i5-2310 vs FX-6100

Core i5-2310 vs FX-6100 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-2310

4 / 4

3,664

0.0%

3,686

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 FX-6100 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 FX-6100: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, while FX-6100 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike FX-6100.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,664 vs 3,686).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌
7.3% HIGHER MSRP
$177 MSRPvs$165 MSRP

FX-6100

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $12 less on MSRP ($165 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2310 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2310.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6100 better than Core i5-2310?

Yes. FX-6100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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, FX-6100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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, FX-6100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

FX-6100 is the better buy right now. FX-6100 comes in $12 cheaper on MSRP at $165 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 7.9% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 20.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-6100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 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 FX-6100 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.

FX-6100

The FX-6100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,686 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2310 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6100 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2310 versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6100 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the FX-6100 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-2310 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2310 scores 3,664 against the FX-6100's 3,686 — a 0.6% lead for the FX-6100. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2310 vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6100.

Feature	Core i5-2310	FX-6100
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.9 GHz+22%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.3 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB+2300%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	3,664	3,686
Geekbench 6 Single	565	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,740	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2310 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2310	FX-6100
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i5-2310) / not specified (FX-6100). The Core i5-2310 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-6100 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i5-2310	FX-6100
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2310 was priced at $177, while the FX-6100 came in at $165. On launch pricing ($177 vs $165), FX-6100 was $12 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2310 delivers 20.7 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the FX-6100 — making the FX-6100 the 7.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2310	FX-6100
MSRP	$177	$165-7%
Performance per Dollar	20.7	22.3+8%
Release Date	2011	2011

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