Core i5-3610ME
CPU·Budget

Core i5-3610ME

Intel

PassMark

2,652

MSRP

$276

AVG Price

$22

1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
35 Watt
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)

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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-3610ME is positioned at rank #1089 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 i5-3610ME

#1077
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
3053%
#1078
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
3008%
#1079
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2762%
#1080
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2749%
#1081
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2724%
#1083
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2631%
#1084
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
2522%
#1085
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
2518%
#1086
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
2451%
#1089
Core i5-3610ME
MSRP: $276|Avg: $22
100%
#1090
Core m3-7Y32
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
100%
#1091
Celeron B720
MSRP: $70|Avg: $10
99%
#1093
Celeron 847
MSRP: $134|Avg: $15
99%
#1094
Core i7-2630QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
98%
#1096
Core i7-2635QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
98%
#1097
Celeron 877
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
97%
#1098
Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
MSRP: $134|Avg: $50
97%
#1099
Core i5-3337U
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
97%
#1100
Core i5-2450M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
96%
#1101
Core i5-7Y57
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
96%
#1102
Core i5-7Y54
MSRP: $281|Avg: $100
96%
#1104
Pentium 997
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3610ME specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-3610ME 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 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 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 2,652, 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 585.

SpecificationCore i5-3610ME
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designIvy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor118 mm2
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,652
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming585
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3610ME fits into the G2 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports unknown Dual-channel memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-3610ME
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredG2
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardunknown Dual-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1600
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 processorHD Graphics 4000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM65,QM77,QM67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-3610ME is primarily designed for Embedded. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Embedded R-Series.

SpecificationCore i5-3610ME
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryEmbedded
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerEmbedded R-Series
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3610ME 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: None.

SpecificationCore i5-3610ME
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionNone
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $22 (MSRP: $276), the Core i5-3610ME delivers 121 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1089 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2344 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-3610ME
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$276
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$22
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1089
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2344
Release DateLaunch date1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i5-3610ME

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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