Core i5-2320 vs Core i5-2310
Core i5-2320
Core i5-2310
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-2320 is positioned at rank 777 and the Core i5-2310 is on rank 783, so the Core i5-2320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2320
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2310
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2320 | Core i5-2310 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) | ✅ More affordable ($12) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2320 | Core i5-2310 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+82%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) | ✅ More affordable ($12) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2320 and Core i5-2310
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-2320 and Core i5-2310 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2320 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2310 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2320 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2320 scores 3,688 against the Core i5-2310's 3,664 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-2320. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 560 vs 565, 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 i5-2320 | Core i5-2310 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+3% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+3% | 2.9 GHz |
| 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 | 3,688 | 3,664 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 560 | 565 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,740 |
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,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2320) and H61,P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2310).
| Feature | Core i5-2320 | Core i5-2310 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2320) vs Yes (Core i5-2310). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2320) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2310) — 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 i5-2320 | Core i5-2310 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2320 launched at $177 MSRP, while the Core i5-2310 debuted at $177. At current prices ($22 vs $12), the Core i5-2310 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2320 delivers 167.6 pts/$ vs 305.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-2310 — making the Core i5-2310 the 58.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2320 | Core i5-2310 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $177 | $177 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $22 | $12-45% |
| Performance per Dollar | 167.6 | 305.3+82% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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