
Core i5-430UM vs Core i3-2312M

Core i5-430UM

Core i3-2312M
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 i5-430UM is positioned at rank 934 and the Core i3-2312M is on rank 1200, so the Core i5-430UM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-430UM
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2312M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-430UM | Core i3-2312M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-430UM | Core i3-2312M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 i5-430UM and Core i3-2312M

Core i5-430UM
The Core i5-430UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.73 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,185 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-2312M
The Core i3-2312M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 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: 1,189 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-430UM and Core i3-2312M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.73 GHz on the Core i5-430UM versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2312M — a 19.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-2312M (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-430UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2312M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-430UM scores 1,185 against the Core i3-2312M's 1,189 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2312M. Multi-core Geekbench: 500 vs 731 (37.5% advantage for the Core i3-2312M). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-430UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2312M.
| Feature | Core i5-430UM | Core i3-2312M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.73 GHz | 2.1 GHz+21% |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | 2.1 GHz+75% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,185 | 1,189 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 250 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 500 | 731+46% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-430UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2312M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Core i5-430UM versus 1333 on the Core i3-2312M — the Core i3-2312M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2312M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55 (Core i5-430UM) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i3-2312M).
| Feature | Core i5-430UM | Core i3-2312M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-800 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-430UM) vs true (Core i3-2312M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i5-430UM) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2312M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-430UM targets Legacy Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i5-430UM rivals Pentium SU7300.
| Feature | Core i5-430UM | Core i3-2312M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Ultrabook | — |
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