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 i5-3210M 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 2,469 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 i5-3210M

#93

Core i7-2710QE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $40

114%

#94

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

112%

#95

Core i3-2310E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $20

112%

#96

A6-8500P

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16

110%

#97

Athlon Neo X2 L335

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

108%

#98

Core i7-4712MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $60

108%

#99

Celeron M 743

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

107%

#100

Pro A8-8600B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

107%

#101

Athlon X2 L310

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

106%

#102

Celeron M 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

106%

#103

Core Solo T1400

MSRP: $200|Avg: $5

104%

#104

Celeron Dual-Core T3500

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

103%

#105

Celeron 847

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

103%

#106

Core 2 Duo T9300

MSRP: $316|Avg: $20

101%

#107

Ryzen 9 5900HX

MSRP: $266|Avg: N/A

101%

#108

Core i5-3210M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

100%

#109

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

MSRP: $749|Avg: N/A

100%

#110

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

100%

#111

A8-8600P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

100%

#112

Celeron 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

99%

#113

Core i5-1240P

MSRP: $309|Avg: $200

99%

#114

Core i3-8145UE

MSRP: $281|Avg: $50

98%

#115

Pentium A1018

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

96%

#116

Ryzen 5 PRO 5675U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $180

96%

#117

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

94%

#118

A8 Pro-7150B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

94%

#119

A6 Micro-6500T

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

93%

#120

Ryzen AI 9 365

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

92%

#121

Core i5-1350P

MSRP: $320|Avg: $250

91%

#122

Pentium T2370

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

91%

#123

Pentium 987

MSRP: $134|Avg: $20

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-3210M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3210M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-3210M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 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 2,469, 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 600, while multi-core reaches 1,400.

Specification	Core i5-3210M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,469
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	600
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,400

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3210M fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (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 4000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-3210M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1023
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
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 4000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM76,HM77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-3210M is primarily designed for Mainstream Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD A10-4600M.

Specification	Core i5-3210M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mainstream Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD A10-4600M

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3210M 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 Cooling.

Specification	Core i5-3210M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Cooling

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $225), the Core i5-3210M delivers 82 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2398 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-3210M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2398
Release DateLaunch date	1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
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

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$225
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2398

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	118 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.5 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Max Core Temperature	105 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-