Core i5-430UM vs Pentium A1018

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 i5-430UM vs Pentium A1018 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 i5-430UM vs Pentium A1018: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-430UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Pentium A1018 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,185 vs 1,188).

Pentium A1018

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Core i5-430UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-430UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium A1018 better than Core i5-430UM?

Yes. Pentium A1018 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% 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, Pentium A1018 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, Pentium A1018 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Pentium A1018 is the better buy right now. Pentium A1018 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium A1018 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-430UM vs Pentium A1018 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium A1018

The Pentium A1018 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,188 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-430UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium A1018's 2 cores. The Core i5-430UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-430UM scores 1,185 against the Pentium A1018's 1,188 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium A1018. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-430UM vs 1 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium A1018.

Feature	Core i5-430UM	Pentium A1018
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.73 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.1 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	3 MB+200%	1 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,185	1,188
Geekbench 6 Single	250	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	500	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-430UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium A1018 uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-430UM	Pentium A1018
Socket	BGA1288	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-430UM) / not specified (Pentium A1018). The Core i5-430UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Pentium A1018 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-430UM targets Legacy Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i5-430UM rivals Pentium SU7300.