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 i5-3610ME 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 i5-3610ME 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 i5-3610ME

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $66 less on MSRP ($276 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 9.6 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($276 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (585 vs 880).
❌Lower PassMark (2,652 vs 2,659).

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

✅+50.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 9.6 PassMark/$ ($342 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4288U better than Core i5-3610ME?

Yes. Core i5-4288U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% 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?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4288U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% 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 i5-4288U 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 i5-4288U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4288U comes in 23.9% more expensive on MSRP at $342 MSRP versus $276 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3610ME only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 23.6% better value on paper (9.6 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on G2.

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) 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 i5-3610ME vs Core i5-4288U Technical Specifications

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

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.

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 i5-3610ME and Core i5-4288U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3610ME (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-3610ME uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4288U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3610ME scores 2,652 against the Core i5-4288U's 2,659 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-4288U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 585 vs 880, a 40.3% lead for the Core i5-4288U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i5-4288U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+6%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+4%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,652	2,659
Geekbench 6 Single	585	880+50%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,800

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3610ME uses the G2 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 DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3610ME) vs 12 (Core i5-4288U) — the Core i5-3610ME offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME) and Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4288U).

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i5-4288U
Socket	G2	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3L 1600 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3610ME) vs true (Core i5-4288U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3610ME) 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 i5-3610ME targets Embedded, Core i5-4288U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i5-4288U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	Intel Iris Graphics 5100
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	true
Target Use	Embedded	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3610ME was priced at $276, while the Core i5-4288U came in at $342. On launch pricing ($276 vs $342), Core i5-3610ME was $66 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3610ME delivers 9.6 pts/$ vs 7.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-4288U — making the Core i5-3610ME the 21.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i5-4288U
MSRP	$276-19%	$342
Performance per Dollar	9.6+23%	7.8
Release Date	2012	2013

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