Core i5-4310M vs Core i3-4160T
Core i5-4310M
Core i3-4160T
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 i5-4310M is positioned at rank 217 and the Core i3-4160T is on rank 653, so the Core i5-4310M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4310M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4160T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4310M | Core i3-4160T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($18) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4310M | Core i3-4160T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($18) |
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 i5-4310M and Core i3-4160T
Core i5-4310M
The Core i5-4310M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,067 points. Launch price was $225.
Core i3-4160T
The Core i3-4160T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,087 points. Launch price was $142.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-4310M and Core i3-4160T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4310M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-4160T — a 9.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4310M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-4310M scores 3,067 against the Core i3-4160T's 3,087 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-4160T. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4310M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4160T.
| Feature | Core i5-4310M | Core i3-4160T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+10% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.1 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,067 | 3,087 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 900 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4310M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-4160T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-4310M | Core i3-4160T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA946 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4310M) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160T). The Core i3-4160T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i5-4310M requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4160T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160T rivals A10-7800.
| Feature | Core i5-4310M | Core i3-4160T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Low Power Desktop |
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