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 i5-760 vs Core i5-3610ME 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 i5-760 vs Core i5-3610ME: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-760

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $46 less on MSRP ($230 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
✅Delivers 20.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.6 vs 9.6 PassMark/$ ($230 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3610ME.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (470 vs 585).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3610ME can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3610ME

2012

Why buy it

✅+24.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-760 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,652 vs 2,667).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.6 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($276 MSRP vs $230 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-760.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3610ME better than Core i5-760?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3610ME is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-760 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i5-760 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-760 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i5-3610ME is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3610ME comes in 20.0% more expensive on MSRP at $276 MSRP versus $230 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-760 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 20.7% better value on paper (11.6 vs 9.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3610ME makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-760 vs Core i5-3610ME Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-760

The Core i5-760 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 July 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 2,667 points. Launch price was $230.

Core i5-3610ME

The Core i5-3610ME 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,652 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-760 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3610ME offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-760 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-760 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME — a 0.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-760 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-760 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3610ME uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-760 scores 2,667 against the Core i5-3610ME's 2,652 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-760. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 470 vs 585, a 21.8% lead for the Core i5-3610ME that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-760 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3610ME.

Feature	Core i5-760	Core i5-3610ME
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+4%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,667	2,652
Geekbench 6 Single	470	585+24%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-760 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3610ME uses G2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-760 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3610ME — the Core i5-3610ME supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i5-760) and HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME).

Feature	Core i5-760	Core i5-3610ME
Socket	LGA1156	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-3610ME includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-760 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-760 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-760 rivals Phenom II X4 970; Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-760	Core i5-3610ME
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, EPT
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-760 was priced at $230, while the Core i5-3610ME came in at $276. On launch pricing ($230 vs $276), Core i5-760 was $46 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-760 delivers 11.6 pts/$ vs 9.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-3610ME — making the Core i5-760 the 18.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-760	Core i5-3610ME
MSRP	$230-17%	$276
Performance per Dollar	11.6+21%	9.6
Release Date	2010	2012

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