Core i5-430M vs Turion 64 ML-28

Intel

Core i5-430M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2010
VS
AMD

Turion 64 ML-28

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Core i5-430M vs Turion 64 ML-28 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-430M vs Turion 64 ML-28 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 i5-430M vs Turion 64 ML-28: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-430M

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Turion 64 ML-28 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Turion 64 ML-28

2005

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,201 vs 1,210).
    • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-430M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-430M better than Turion 64 ML-28?
    Yes. Core i5-430M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 i5-430M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 30 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-430M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i5-430M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-430M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i5-430M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2005) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i5-430M vs Turion 64 ML-28 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-430M

    The Core i5-430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,210 points. Launch price was $79.

    AMD

    Turion 64 ML-28

    The Turion 64 ML-28 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Lancaster (2005−2006) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,201 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-430M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Turion 64 ML-28 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i5-430M has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core i5-430M versus 1.6 GHz on the Turion 64 ML-28 — a 45% clock advantage for the Core i5-430M. The Core i5-430M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion 64 ML-28 uses Lancaster (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-430M scores 1,210 against the Turion 64 ML-28's 1,201 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-430M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-430M vs 0 kB on the Turion 64 ML-28.

    FeatureCore i5-430MTurion 64 ML-28
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4+100%
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.53 GHz+58%
    1.6 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.26 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    512 kB+100%
    Process
    32 nm-64%
    90 nm
    Architecture
    Arrandale (2010−2011)
    Lancaster (2005−2006)
    PassMark
    1,210
    1,201
    Geekbench 6 Single
    350
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    750
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Turion 64 ML-28 uses 754 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i5-430MTurion 64 ML-28
    Socket
    PGA988
    754
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1066
    Max RAM Capacity
    8 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-430M) / not specified (Turion 64 ML-28). The Core i5-430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Turion 64 ML-28 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-430M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-430M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

    FeatureCore i5-430MTurion 64 ML-28
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d, EPT
    Target Use
    Performance Laptop