Core i5-2430M vs Core i7-920XM

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 i5-2430M vs Core i7-920XM 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 i5-2430M vs Core i7-920XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-920XM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-920XM across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-920XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,015).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2430M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2430M better than Core i7-920XM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-920XM is ahead with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2430M pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark. Core i7-920XM also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2430M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2430M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2430M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-920XM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2430M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2430M vs Core i7-920XM Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2430M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-920XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-2430M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-920XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-2430M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i7-920XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.2 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,015	2,014

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. The Core i5-2430M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 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 i5-2430M) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i7-920XM
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16+100%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support true virtualization. The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-920XM requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M; Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.