INTEL

Intel Core i5-2435M

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

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

Intel Core i5-2435M Specifications

⚙️

Core i5-2435M Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i5-2435M 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
⏱️

i5-2435M Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.4 GHz
Boost Clock
N/A
Multiplier
24x
💾

Intel's Core i5-2435M Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M'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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M 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 i5 (Sandy Bridge)
🔢

Sandy Bridge Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i5-2435M 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
🔌

i5-2435M Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i5-2435M 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 BGA 1023 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i5-2435M uses the Intel BGA 1023 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 BGA 1023
Package
rPGA
DDR5

Intel BGA 1023 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M Integrated Graphics

Built-in GPU specifications

The Intel Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Sep 2011
Market
Mobile
Status
End-of-life

Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #1571 of 1788
173
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 i5-2435M.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #1573 of 1788
724
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 i5-2435M.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #1569 of 1784
102
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 i5-2435M after thermal limits kick in.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #1571 of 1788
1,726
1%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i5-2435M maintains boost clocks under continuous load.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #1573 of 1788
243
1%
Max: 20,979
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i5-2435M across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.

geekbench_multicore #624 of 711
890
4%
Max: 22,515

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i5-2435M can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.

geekbench_singlecore #598 of 711
455
13%
Max: 3,401
Compare with other CPUs

About Intel Core i5-2435M

The Intel Core i5-2435M is a dual-core processor from the 2011 Sandy Bridge era, designed for the thin-and-light laptops of its day. In modern daily use, this chip can still handle basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback, though you'll feel its age on complex websites or with multiple applications open. Its 2.4 GHz base clock and Hyper-Threading for four total threads provide just enough multitasking headroom for light workloads. You can expect the i5-2435M to feel sluggish if you push it beyond its intended scope, such as opening many browser tabs while streaming video. This particular Core i5 model operates with a 35W TDP, which helped balance performance and battery life in portable systems. For users with modest needs, the 2435M remains functional, but its 32nm architecture and limited cache are significant bottlenecks today. Engaging with this CPU now requires managing expectations and understanding its decade-old design constraints.

As a mobile workstation chip, the Sandy Bridge-based i5-2435M struggles with demanding creative or computational tasks. Benchmark scores, like its 1,726 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, reveal a processor that is vastly outpaced by modern equivalents, making sustained heavy workloads a challenge. Professionals considering this CPU for video editing, complex data analysis, or 3D rendering will find it severely lacking in both core count and raw computational throughput. The shared 3MB L3 cache further limits its ability to juggle large datasets efficiently, leading to potential slowdowns. While it might have been adequate for the office software of its release year, today's software demands far more. This processor's performance in a workstation role is fundamentally constrained by its two physical cores and aging microarchitecture.

Evaluating cost-effectiveness today, the Core i5-2435M is only relevant in the context of used or very low-budget legacy systems. Its platform requirements, including the obsolete BGA 1023 socket and compatible chipsets, lock you into older laptop designs with potential limitations like SATA II storage and DDR3 memory. Investing any significant money into a system built around this Intel processor is hard to justify when even budget modern CPUs offer dramatically better performance and efficiency. The total platform cost must account for an aging machine that may lack modern connectivity, have a worn-out battery, and offer no upgrade path. For a secondary machine or a specific lightweight task, a system featuring the i5-2435M might suffice if acquired for nearly free. However, for any primary computing need, the value proposition of this decade-old hardware is exceedingly low compared to contemporary entry-level options.

The AMD Equivalent of Core i5-2435M

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 5 1400

AMD • 4 Cores

View Specs Compare

Popular Intel Core i5-2435M Comparisons

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