Core i5-3320M vs Core i5-4288U

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 i5-4288U 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 i5-4288U: 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

✅Costs $117 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,659 vs 2,660).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($342 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3320M better than Core i5-4288U?

Yes. Core i5-3320M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3320M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i5-3320M 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 i5-3320M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3320M comes in $117 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $342 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 52.1% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4288U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3320M vs Core i5-4288U 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 i5-4288U

The Core i5-4288U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 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: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3320M and Core i5-4288U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-3320M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4288U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3320M scores 2,660 against the Core i5-4288U's 2,659 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-3320M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-4288U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+6%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,660	2,659
Geekbench 6 Single	—	880
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,800

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3320M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4288U uses FCBGA1168 (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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3320M) vs 12 (Core i5-4288U) — the Core i5-3320M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3320M) and Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4288U).

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-4288U
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR3L 1600 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3320M) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4288U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4288U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-4288U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	Intel Iris Graphics 5100
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	true
Target Use	—	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3320M was priced at $225, while the Core i5-4288U came in at $342. On launch pricing ($225 vs $342), Core i5-3320M was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3320M delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 7.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-4288U — making the Core i5-3320M the 41.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Core i5-4288U
MSRP	$225-34%	$342
Performance per Dollar	11.8+51%	7.8
Release Date	2012	2013

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