Core i5-3320M vs Core i5-3610ME

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 i5-3320M vs Core i5-3610ME 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 i5-3320M vs Core i5-3610ME: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3320M

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $51 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 9.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-3610ME

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,652 vs 2,660).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.6 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($276 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3320M better than Core i5-3610ME?

Yes. Core i5-3320M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3320M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3320M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3320M comes in $51 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $276 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 23.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 9.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3320M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i5-3320M vs Core i5-3610ME Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3320M

The Core i5-3320M 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,660 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-3610ME

The Core i5-3610ME 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,652 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3320M and Core i5-3610ME share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3320M scores 2,660 against the Core i5-3610ME's 2,652 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-3320M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-3610ME
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.7 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,660	2,652
Geekbench 6 Single	—	585

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3320M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3610ME uses G2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. The Core i5-3320M 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: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3320M) and HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME).

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-3610ME
Socket	PGA988	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 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: true (Core i5-3320M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3610ME). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3320M) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3610ME) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M; Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-3610ME
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3320M was priced at $225, while the Core i5-3610ME came in at $276. On launch pricing ($225 vs $276), Core i5-3320M was $51 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3320M delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 9.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-3610ME — making the Core i5-3320M the 20.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-3610ME
MSRP	$225-18%	$276
Performance per Dollar	11.8+23%	9.6
Release Date	2012	2012

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