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 i5-2390T vs Core i5-3210M 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 i5-2390T vs Core i5-3210M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

✅+2.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $43 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.7 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3210M.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-3210M

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (600 vs 614).
❌Lower PassMark (2,469 vs 2,491).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.0 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2390T better than Core i5-3210M?

Yes. Core i5-2390T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2390T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 i5-2390T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2390T is the better buy right now. Core i5-2390T comes in $43 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 24.7% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 11.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3210M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2390T vs Core i5-3210M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

Core i5-3210M

The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2390T and Core i5-3210M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M — a 12.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-2390T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3210M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2390T scores 2,491 against the Core i5-3210M's 2,469 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-2390T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 614 vs 600, a 2.3% lead for the Core i5-2390T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-3210M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+13%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,491	2,469
Geekbench 6 Single	614+2%	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,400

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2390T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3210M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2390T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3210M — the Core i5-3210M 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,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2390T) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3210M).

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-3210M
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
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

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2390T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3210M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop, Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800; Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-3210M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Low Power Desktop	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2390T was priced at $182, while the Core i5-3210M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($182 vs $225), Core i5-2390T was $43 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2390T delivers 13.7 pts/$ vs 11.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-3210M — making the Core i5-2390T the 22% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2390T	Core i5-3210M
MSRP	$182-19%	$225
Performance per Dollar	13.7+25%	11.0
Release Date	2011	2012

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