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 i5-2410M vs Core i7-3689Y 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 i5-2410M vs Core i7-3689Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2410M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (444 vs 507).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (913 vs 1,100).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-3689Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3689Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+14.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3689Y better than Core i5-2410M?

Yes. Core i7-3689Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 20.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.7% higher 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, Core i7-3689Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i7-3689Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 20.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-3689Y is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3689Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2410M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i7-3689Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2410M vs Core i7-3689Y Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2410M

The Core i5-2410M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,954 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-3689Y

The Core i7-3689Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,967 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2410M and Core i7-3689Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2410M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-3689Y — a 10.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2410M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i5-2410M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3689Y uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2410M scores 1,954 against the Core i7-3689Y's 1,967 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3689Y. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 444 vs 507, a 13.2% lead for the Core i7-3689Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 913 vs 1,100 (18.6% advantage for the Core i7-3689Y). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2410M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3689Y.

Feature	Core i5-2410M	Core i7-3689Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+12%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+53%	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,954	1,967
Geekbench 6 Single	444	507+14%
Geekbench 6 Multi	913	1,100+20%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2410M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3689Y uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2410M versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-3689Y — the Core i7-3689Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3689Y supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2410M) and HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3689Y).

Feature	Core i5-2410M	Core i7-3689Y
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2410M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3689Y). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2410M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3689Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3689Y targets Ultra-Low Power Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2410M rivals AMD A8-3500M; Core i7-3689Y rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Core i5-2410M	Core i7-3689Y
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Ultra-Low Power Laptop