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 i5-2300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,475 points. Launch price was $168.

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 i5-2300

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

109%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

108%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

108%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

107%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

107%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

106%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

106%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

105%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

105%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

103%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

103%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

103%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

101%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

101%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

101%

#51

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

100%

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

100%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

99%

#54

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

98%

#55

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

98%

#56

Pentium E2200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

96%

#57

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

96%

#58

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

95%

#59

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

94%

#60

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

94%

#61

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

94%

#62

Core i5-7440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $30

93%

#63

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

92%

#64

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

92%

#65

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

92%

#66

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-2300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-2300 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2300 is a 4-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 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 6144 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., 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 3,475, 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 516, while multi-core reaches 1,515.

Specification	Core i5-2300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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	6144 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	216 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,160 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,475
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	516
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,515

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2300 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: Intel HD Graphics 2000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-2300
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	Intel HD Graphics 2000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,P67,Z68,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-2300
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-2300 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler.

Specification	Core i5-2300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $17 (MSRP: $177), the Core i5-2300 delivers 204 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2122 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-2300
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$177
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$17
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$168
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2122
Release DateLaunch date	9 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
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

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$168
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	9 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2122

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	216 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Transistor Count	1,160 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	73 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-