Core i3-2370M
CPU·Budget

Core i3-2370M

Intel

PassMark

1,370

MSRP

$225

1 January 2012 (13 years ago)
35 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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.

Overview

The Core i3-2370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,370 points. Launch price was $225.

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.

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 i3-2370M

#364
Core M-5Y71
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
115%
#365
Core i7-2620M
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
115%
#366
Celeron N3010
MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A
113%
#367
Core i7-3537U
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
111%
#368
Core M-5Y10c
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
111%
#369
Core M-5Y10a
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
111%
#370
Celeron 1047UE
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
111%
#371
Core M-5Y70
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
111%
#372
Core i7-4510U
MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A
110%
#373
Core i3-4030U
MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A
110%
#374
Core i7-2637M
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
107%
#375
Core 2 Duo SL9600
MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A
107%
#376
Core 2 Duo T5600
MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A
106%
#377
Pentium N3510
MSRP: $161|Avg: $161
106%
#378
Core i7-4500U
MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A
103%
#379
Core i3-2370M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
100%
#380
Core m7-6Y75
MSRP: $393|Avg: $393
99%
#381
Pentium U5400
MSRP: $289|Avg: $214
99%
#382
Core Solo T1350
MSRP: $200|Avg: $70
95%
#383
Atom N475
MSRP: $75|Avg: N/A
89%
#384
Core i3-2312M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
87%
#385
Celeron 925
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
86%
#386
Core 2 Duo SU7300
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
85%
#387
Core Duo T2400
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
83%
#388
Pentium M 735
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
81%
#389
Core i7-620LM
MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A
80%
#390
Core i7-740QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
80%
#391
Celeron U3600
MSRP: $134|Avg: $134
77%
#392
Core i5-2537M
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
75%
#393
Core i7-720QM
MSRP: $364|Avg: N/A
75%
#394
Celeron SU2300
MSRP: $134|Avg: $134
67%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-2370M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra30 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high32 FPS
ultra18 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium23 FPS
high16 FPS
ultra10 FPS
Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium30 FPS
high27 FPS
ultra22 FPS
4k
low16 FPS
medium14 FPS
high11 FPS
ultra9 FPS
Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra33 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
1440p
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra34 FPS
4k
low34 FPS
medium34 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra27 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2370M specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i3-2370M 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 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,370, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 412, while multi-core reaches 711.

SpecificationCore i3-2370M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor149 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities624 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)85C (PGA); 100C (BGA)
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,370
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming412
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance711
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2370M fits into the PGA988 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 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i3-2370M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM65,HM67,QM67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-2370M is primarily designed for Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i3-2370M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryLaptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-2370M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Specific.

SpecificationCore i3-2370M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)85C (PGA); 100C (BGA)
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Specific
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $225, the Core i3-2370M delivers 6 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2851 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i3-2370M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$225
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2851
Release DateLaunch date1 January 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core i3
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$225
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date1 January 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture CodenameSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position2851

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores2
Threads4
Bus TypeDMI 2.0
Die Size149 mm2
L1 Cache64K (per core)
L2 Cache256K (per core)
L3 Cache3 MB (total)
Bus Speed4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier24
Max Frequency2.4 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.4 GHz
Transistor Count624 million
Process Technology32 nm
Max Core Temperature85C (PGA); 100C (BGA)
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketPGA988
PCIe GenerationPCIe 2.0
Power Consumption (TDP)35 Watt
Max Processors In Config1 (Uniprocessor)

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth21.335 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity16 GB

Our Recommendation for Core i3-2370M

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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