Intel Core i5-2310 vs Intel Core i5-3350P Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-3350P wins every single head-to-head comparison against the Intel Core i5-2310. Across five Cinebench tests, the i5-3350P maintains a consistent advantage of roughly 15% in every workload. This is a clean sweep, with zero wins for the older i5-2310.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i5-3350P scores 371 against 314 for the i5-2310, a delta of -15.4% from the perspective of the i5-2310. That means the i5-3350P is approximately 18% faster in raw terms (371 divided by 314 equals 1.18). The pattern holds in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the i5-3350P posts 1546 versus 1309, again a -15.3% delta. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the scores are 3681 and 3118, a -15.3% margin.

Single-core performance tells the same story. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i5-3350P scores 217 against 184 for the i5-2310, a -15.2% delta. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 519 versus 440, also -15.2%. The i5-3350P also has a dedicated Cinebench R15 single-core score of 52, which the i5-2310 lacks in the recorded dataset, further underscoring the newer chip's stronger per-thread capabilities.

The average benchmark score in the database puts the i5-3350P at 1088, while the i5-2310 sits at 1073. That is only a 1.4% difference in aggregate, but the head-to-head tests show a much larger gap in the Cinebench suite. The discrepancy arises because the i5-3350P has additional Geekbench results (1730 multicore, 584 single-core) that are not recorded for the i5-2310, pulling its average up. In the direct comparisons available, the i5-3350P is consistently and decisively ahead.

Both processors land in the 30th percentile of all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy a similar tier in the overall performance distribution. However, within that tier, the i5-3350P is the stronger part. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Athlon 220GE (equal average score of 1088) and the Intel Core i5-2450P (1086, just 0.2% behind), while the i5-2310 sits near the Intel Core i3-4170T (1072, 0.1% behind) and the AMD Athlon X4 880K (1071, 0.1% behind).

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-3350P wins every multi-core test in the head-to-head dataset. It scores 371 versus 314 in Cinebench R15, 1546 versus 1309 in R20, and 3681 versus 3118 in R23. The margin is consistently around 15.3% in favor of the i5-3350P.

Q: How do the two compare in single-core performance?

A: The i5-3350P again takes the lead. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 217 against 184 for the i5-2310 (a 15.2% delta). In R23, the i5-3350P posts 519 versus 440, also a 15.2% advantage. The i5-3350P also has a recorded R15 single-core score of 52, which the i5-2310 does not have in the database.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The Intel Core i5-2310 includes Intel HD 2000 graphics, while the Intel Core i5-3350P has no integrated graphics at all. The "P" suffix in the i5-3350P indicates this omission, meaning it requires a discrete GPU.

Q: What is the difference in power consumption?

A: The i5-3350P has a TDP of 69 watts, while the i5-2310 has a TDP of 95 watts. The newer 22 nm process node helps the i5-3350P achieve lower power draw while delivering higher performance.

Q: Are these processors compatible with the same motherboard?

A: Yes, both use the Intel Socket 1155 interface. They also share the same PCIe implementation: Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Both support dual-channel DDR3 memory.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The i5-3350P has an average benchmark score of 1088, compared to 1073 for the i5-2310. The i5-3350P also has a larger set of recorded benchmarks, including Geekbench tests, which the i5-2310 lacks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel architecture generations, and that distinction explains most of the performance gap. The Intel Core i5-2310 is built on Sandy Bridge, Intel's 32 nm process node, with a die size of 216 mm² and 1,160 million transistors. The Intel Core i5-3350P uses Ivy Bridge, a 22 nm process node, with a significantly smaller die at 133 mm². The transistor count for the i5-3350P is not recorded, but the die shrink alone suggests a more efficient design.

The architecture generation also affects the cache hierarchy. Both chips have identical cache amounts: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. The difference lies in the underlying design. Ivy Bridge introduced improvements over Sandy Bridge in terms of instruction efficiency and power management, which contribute to the i5-3350P's higher clock speeds and better benchmark results.

The i5-3350P's integrated graphics are absent, which is a notable architectural choice. The "P" designation in Intel's lineup typically means the processor ships without the graphics block enabled or present. The i5-2310, by contrast, includes Intel HD 2000 graphics. This makes the i5-3350P a more suitable choice for systems that rely on a dedicated graphics card, while the i5-2310 can serve in builds without one.

Both processors share the same memory support (DDR3, dual-channel), the same PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), and the same socket (Intel Socket 1155). They also both lack ECC memory support and have locked multipliers, meaning they cannot be overclocked. The release dates are about 15 months apart: the i5-2310 launched on 2011-05-21, while the i5-3350P arrived on 2012-09-02.

Specification Differences

The specification table shows several key differences between the two parts, beyond the architecture generation. The base clock differs: the i5-2310 runs at 2.90 GHz, while the i5-3350P runs at 3.10 GHz. Boost clocks are 3.20 GHz and 3.30 GHz, respectively. The i5-3350P is also more power efficient with a 69 watt TDP versus 95 watts for the i5-2310.

The process node is a major differentiator: 32 nm for Sandy Bridge versus 22 nm for Ivy Bridge. Die size shrinks from 216 mm² to 133 mm². The transistor count is listed for the i5-2310 (1,160 million) but is not recorded for the i5-3350P. The i5-2310 has Intel HD 2000 integrated graphics, while the i5-3350P has none (the field is null).

The part numbers differ (SR02K for the i5-2310, SR0WS for the i5-3350P), and the release dates are different, as noted. The production status for the i5-2310 is "End-of-life," while the i5-3350P does not have a recorded status. Both have 4 cores and 4 threads, the same cache sizes, and identical memory and PCIe specifications. Neither has a launch MSRP recorded in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-3350P wins in every measured benchmark category. It is faster in both single-core and multi-core Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from 15.2% to 15.4%. For users who prioritize raw CPU performance, whether in threaded workloads like video rendering or in lightly threaded tasks like everyday desktop use, the i5-3350P is the clear choice. Its higher base and boost clocks (3.10 GHz and 3.30 GHz versus 2.90 GHz and 3.20 GHz) contribute directly to these results.

The i5-3350P also has a lower TDP at 69 watts, making it more suitable for compact or thermally constrained systems. It achieves better performance with less power draw, a direct benefit of the 22 nm Ivy Bridge process. The smaller die (133 mm² versus 216 mm²) further reinforces its efficiency advantage.

The Intel Core i5-2310 retains one practical advantage: it includes Intel HD 2000 integrated graphics. This makes it functional in a system without a discrete GPU, which can be useful for basic office work, media playback, or troubleshooting. The i5-3350P, lacking any integrated graphics, requires a separate graphics card to output video. For a budget or secondary system where a dedicated GPU is not planned, the i5-2310 can serve as a complete platform.

In terms of market positioning, both processors sit in the 30th percentile of all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores are close (1073 versus 1088). The i5-2310's nearest rivals are similarly low-power parts like the Intel Core i3-4170T and the AMD Athlon X4 880K, while the i5-3350P competes with parts like the AMD Athlon 220GE and Intel Core i5-2450P. The i5-3350P is effectively a newer, faster, and more efficient evolution of the same socket and platform.

For a user building a new system with a discrete GPU, the i5-3350P is the better pick: it wins all benchmarks, consumes less power, and uses a newer architecture. For a legacy or low-cost build where integrated graphics are required, the i5-2310 is the only option between the two. The data shows no benchmark where the i5-2310 comes out ahead, so the choice hinges entirely on the graphics requirement.