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.

Overview

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-2105 is positioned at rank #935 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2105

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

23420%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

22129%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

16068%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

4840%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3834%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3354%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1921%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1896%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1726%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1726%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1707%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1661%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1638%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1631%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1616%

#934

Athlon II X3 405e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

100%

#935

Core i3-2105

MSRP: $138|Avg: $30

100%

#936

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

99%

#937

Athlon II X3 400e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

99%

#938

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

98%

#939

Athlon II X2 245e

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

98%

#940

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

98%

#941

Pentium G630T

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

98%

#942

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

MSRP: $990|Avg: $175

98%

#945

Core i5-650

MSRP: $176|Avg: $22

96%

#946

A10-6790B

MSRP: $122|Avg: $50

95%

#947

Phenom X3 8600

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

95%

#948

Core i3-6100TE

MSRP: $250|Avg: $90

95%

#949

FX-4320

MSRP: $250|Avg: $100

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-2105 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2105 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2105 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,837, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-2105
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,837

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2105 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-2105
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 3000
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-2105 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-2105
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-2105 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i3-2105
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $138), the Core i3-2105 delivers 61 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #935 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2659 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-2105
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$138
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$145
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#935
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2659
Release DateLaunch date	22 May 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel