Core i5-3610ME vs FX-4100
Core i5-3610ME
FX-4100
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3610ME is positioned at rank 1089 and the FX-4100 is on rank 728, so the FX-4100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3610ME
Performance Per Dollar FX-4100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3610ME | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3610ME | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3610ME and FX-4100
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.
FX-4100
The FX-4100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,630 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3610ME packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME versus 3.8 GHz on the FX-4100 — a 14.1% clock advantage for the FX-4100 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-3610ME uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-4100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3610ME scores 2,652 against the FX-4100's 2,630 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-3610ME. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3610ME vs 8192 kB on the FX-4100.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.6 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8192 kB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,652 | 2,630 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 585 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3610ME uses the G2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G2 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3610ME) / not specified (FX-4100). The Core i5-3610ME includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-4100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3610ME launched at $276 MSRP, while the FX-4100 debuted at $115. At current prices ($22 vs $20), the FX-4100 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3610ME delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 131.5 pts/$ for the FX-4100 — making the FX-4100 the 8.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $276 | $115-58% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $22 | $20-9% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 131.5+9% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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