INTEL

Intel Core i3-2310M

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

2
Cores
4
Threads
GHz Boost
35W
TDP
🖥️Integrated GPU

Intel Core i3-2310M Specifications

⚙️

Core i3-2310M Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i3-2310M features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
2
Threads
4
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i3-2310M Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-2310M benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-2310M by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.1 GHz
Boost Clock
N/A
Multiplier
21x
💾

Intel's Core i3-2310M Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-2310M processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-2310M's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
3 MB (shared)
🏗️

Sandy Bridge Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i3-2310M is built on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-2310M incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Sandy Bridge
Codename
Sandy Bridge
Process Node
32 nm
Foundry
Intel
Transistors
624 million
Die Size
149 mm²
Generation
Core i3 (Sandy Bridge)
🔢

Sandy Bridge Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i3-2310M by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AVX
AES-NI
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
🔌

i3-2310M Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i3-2310M has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
35W
🔧

Intel Socket G2 (988B) Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i3-2310M uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket G2 (988B)
Package
rPGA
DDR5

Intel Socket G2 (988B) Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i3-2310M define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-2310M determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR3
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
🖥️

Intel's Core i3-2310M Integrated Graphics

Built-in GPU specifications

The Intel Core i3-2310M includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-2310M provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.

iGPU
Intel HD 3000
Graphics Model
Intel HD 3000
📦

Core i3-2310M Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i3-2310M is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-2310M by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Feb 2011
Market
Mobile
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SR04R

Core i3-2310M Benchmark Scores

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i3-2310M performs in parallel rendering workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #1733 of 1788
104
1%
Max: 14,978

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i3-2310M. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #1735 of 1788
435
1%
Max: 62,412

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i3-2310M. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #1730 of 1784
61
1%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i3-2310M after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #1736 of 1788
1,036
1%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-2310M maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #1735 of 1788
146
1%
Max: 20,979

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i3-2310M across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.

geekbench_multicore #669 of 711
645
3%
Max: 22,515
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i3-2310M can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.

geekbench_singlecore #671 of 711
322
9%
Max: 3,401
Compare with other CPUs

About Intel Core i3-2310M

So, you're curious about the Intel Core i3-2310M? This Sandy Bridge dual-core packs two physical cores but, thanks to Hyper-Threading, it handles four threads simultaneously. That means it can juggle more tasks than a plain dual-core, but how does that really stack up in 2024? Benchmarks like a 1,036 in Cinebench R23 multicore show it's no powerhouse, but for its time, it offered decent multitasking. With only two cores, though, you've gotta wonder: is this enough for modern basic computing, or is it strictly a relic for lightweight duties?

Clock speeds are locked at 2.10 GHz base no Turbo Boost here, which makes you question Intel's strategy for budget chips back then. Without a frequency boost, how does this CPU handle sudden demands? Compared to today's processors that dynamically overclock, the i3-2310M processor feels pretty static. Single-core scores around 146 in Cinebench R23 hint that single-threaded tasks might feel sluggish now. So, was a fixed clock a deal-breaker, or did its simplicity keep things cool and stable in everyday laptops?

Energy efficiency is a mixed bag with a 35W TDP on a 32nm process. For a mobile chip from 2011, that's not terrible, but would it pass today's standards for battery life? It likely kept heat in check for thin-and-lights of its era, but modern chips are way thriftier. You might ask: did this power envelope make Intel's budget-friendly chip from 2011 a good fit for all-day computing, or did it drain batteries faster than expected? In an eco-conscious world, its efficiency feels dated, yet it served its purpose in budget notebooks.

Cache memory includes L1 and L2 per core, plus a shared 3MB L3 cache, which helped data flow but seems tiny now. That cache setup aimed to speed up frequent tasks, but with today's apps, is it a bottleneck? For best applications, this CPU shines in specific scenarios.

  • Basic office work and web browsing: It handles documents and multiple tabs okay, but don't push it with heavy sites.
  • Media playback: Decodes 1080p video smoothly, though 4K would stutter without hardware support.
  • Light legacy gaming: Think older titles or indie games, but forget about AAA releases from the past decade.
So, where does the i3-2310M fit in today? Probably as a budget option for simple, dated systems.

The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-2310M

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1200

AMD • 4 Cores

View Specs Compare

Popular Intel Core i3-2310M Comparisons

See how the Core i3-2310M stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.

Compare Core i3-2310M with Other CPUs

Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.

Browse CPUs