Core i5-3610ME vs Core i5-760

The Core i5-3610ME packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-760 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-760 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-760 — a 0.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-760 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3610ME uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-760 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3610ME scores 2,652 against the Core i5-760's 2,667 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-760. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 585 vs 470, a 21.8% lead for the Core i5-3610ME that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3610ME vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-760.

The Core i5-3610ME uses the G2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-760 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i5-760).

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-3610ME includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-760 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded, Core i5-760 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series; Core i5-760 rivals Phenom II X4 970.

The Core i5-3610ME launched at $276 MSRP, while the Core i5-760 debuted at $230. At current prices ($22 vs $61), the Core i5-3610ME is $39 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3610ME delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 43.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-760 — making the Core i5-3610ME the 93.5% better value option.