CPU
GPU
Core i5-2430M
Core i3-2102
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 i5-2430M is positioned at rank 1106 and the Core i3-2102 is on rank 857, so the Core i3-2102 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2430M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2102
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2430M | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2430M | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1410%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 i5-2430M and Core i3-2102
Core i5-2430M
The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.
Core i3-2102
The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-2430M and Core i3-2102 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Core i3-2102's 2,029 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2102. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.1 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.1 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,015 | 2,029 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 515 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,082 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2102 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2430M versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2102 — the Core i5-2430M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2102 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% 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 i5-2430M) and H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102).
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 32 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2430M) vs VT-x (Core i3-2102). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2102) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Office Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2430M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i3-2102 debuted at $117.
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i3-2102 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $117-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $15 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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