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 i5-750 vs Core i5-3230M 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 i5-750 vs Core i5-3230M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-750

2009

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($210 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3230M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (424 vs 565).
❌Lower PassMark (2,546 vs 2,565).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3230M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3230M

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-750 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌
7.1% HIGHER MSRP
$225 MSRPvs$210 MSRP
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-750.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3230M better than Core i5-750?

Yes. Core i5-3230M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 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 i5-3230M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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, Core i5-3230M 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 i5-3230M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3230M comes in 7.1% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $210 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-750 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 6.3% better value on paper (12.1 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i5-3230M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-750 vs Core i5-3230M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-750

The Core i5-750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,546 points. Launch price was $150.

Core i5-3230M

The Core i5-3230M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 2,565 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-750 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3230M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-750 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-750 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-750 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3230M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-750 scores 2,546 against the Core i5-3230M's 2,565 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-3230M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 424 vs 565, a 28.5% lead for the Core i5-3230M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-750 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3230M.

Feature	Core i5-750	Core i5-3230M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+2%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,546	2,565
Geekbench 6 Single	424	565+33%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,128

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-750 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3230M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-750 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-3230M — the Core i5-3230M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3230M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i5-750) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3230M).

Feature	Core i5-750	Core i5-3230M
Socket	LGA1156	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-750) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3230M). The Core i5-3230M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-750 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-750 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-750 rivals Phenom II X4 965; Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

Feature	Core i5-750	Core i5-3230M
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-750 was priced at $210, while the Core i5-3230M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($210 vs $225), Core i5-750 was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-750 delivers 12.1 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3230M — making the Core i5-750 the 6.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-750	Core i5-3230M
MSRP	$210-7%	$225
Performance per Dollar	12.1+6%	11.4
Release Date	2009	2013

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