Core i5-5250U vs Core i5-3210M
Core i5-5250U
Core i5-3210M
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 i5-5250U is positioned at rank 685 and the Core i5-3210M is on rank 158, so the Core i5-3210M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-5250U
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3210M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-5250U | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-5250U | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 i5-5250U and Core i5-3210M
Core i5-5250U
The Core i5-5250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,450 points. Launch price was $315.
Core i5-3210M
The Core i5-3210M 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-5250U and Core i5-3210M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-5250U versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M — a 13.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3210M (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-5250U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3210M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5250U scores 2,450 against the Core i5-3210M's 2,469 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-3210M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-5250U | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.1 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 2.5 GHz+56% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-U (2015) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,450 | 2,469 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,400 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-5250U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3210M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the Core i5-5250U versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3210M — the Core i5-5250U supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3210M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-5250U) vs 16 (Core i5-3210M) — the Core i5-3210M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i5-5250U) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3210M).
| Feature | Core i5-5250U | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 32 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i5-5250U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 6000 (Core i5-5250U) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3210M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M.
| Feature | Core i5-5250U | Core i5-3210M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 6000 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Laptop |
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