CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3230M vs Intel Core i5-3340M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3230M (PGA variant, SR0WY) is a dual-core, quad-thread Ivy Bridge mobile processor in a socketed FC-PGA12F package for Intel Socket G2 (988B), offering 2.6 GHz base and 3.2 GHz turbo clocks with Intel HD 4000 graphics and the rare advantage of being upgradeable.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic office tasks but overwhelmed by modern web applications and multitasking demands.
The 3.4 GHz turbo provides a small but noticeable improvement over the i5-3230M in single-threaded tasks.
Gaming
HD 4000 graphics provide minimal gaming capability, limited to very old titles at low settings.
HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is slightly better than lower-clocked variants but still only suitable for very old games.
Virtualization
VT-x and VT-d support is present, but two cores limit practical virtual machine usage.
Full VT-x, VT-d, and TXT support make this well-equipped for enterprise virtualization scenarios within its two-core limit.
Efficiency
Standard 35 W mobile power consumption, unremarkable by modern efficiency standards.
Standard 35 W mobile power consumption, identical to other Ivy Bridge dual-core parts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 or later instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 with 1100 MHz turbo is the limiting factor
- Playable in very old or lightweight games only
- The socketed nature means a discrete GPU upgrade path may exist in some laptop chassis
- HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is the best integrated graphics in the Ivy Bridge dual-core lineup
- Still fundamentally limited for any modern gaming
- Can handle older titles like Minecraft and Source engine games at low settings better than lower-clocked variants
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Socketed design allows CPU replacement and upgrades
- Socket G2 supports both Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors for flexible upgrade paths
- Intel HD 4000 was capable for its time
- VT-d and AES-NI support for business use
- Low cost on the used market for extending older laptop life
Cons
- Only two cores, completely insufficient for modern workloads
- No AVX2 instruction support
- 35 W TDP limits thin-and-light applicability
- Socket G2 platform has no future upgrade path beyond Ivy Bridge
- Obsolete for any meaningful 2026 computing
Pros
- Highest turbo frequency (3.4 GHz) of any socketed Ivy Bridge dual-core
- TXT Trusted Execution Technology for enterprise security
- Higher HD 4000 turbo (1250 MHz) than i5-3230M
- Socket G2 allows drop-in upgrades from Sandy Bridge
- Complete enterprise feature set: VT-x, VT-d, TXT, AES-NI
Cons
- Still only two cores, fundamentally limiting for modern workloads
- No AVX2 instruction support
- 35 W TDP constrains thin laptop designs
- Socket G2 platform is dead with no further upgrade path
- Quad-core i7 upgrades may offer better value on the same platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3230M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Value
- Intel Core i7-3610MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A6-4400MRival
Mobile Budget
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade option for Socket G2 laptops that can handle the 35 W TDP.
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade within the same i5 tier.
Compare head-to-headHigher-clocked BGA alternative (not socket-compatible) with better graphics turbo.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-3340M
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile ULV
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3365MRival
Mobile BGA
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Value
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade for Socket G2 that dramatically outperforms the i5-3340M in multi-threaded tasks at the same 35 W TDP.
Lower-cost dual-core alternative with only slightly lower clocks (2.6/3.2 GHz vs 2.7/3.4 GHz).
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The PGA variant of the i5-3230M is functionally identical to its BGA sibling in performance but offers the significant advantage of being socketed and replaceable. This made it popular in business laptops where field upgradeability was valued.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G2 laptop from an older Sandy Bridge processor to extend its useful life.
Read the full reviewThe i5-3340M was the fastest dual-core Ivy Bridge mobile processor available in a socketed package, making it the ultimate upgrade for Socket G2 laptops. While thoroughly obsolete for modern use, it remains the best drop-in option for extending older business laptops.
Best for: As the final CPU upgrade for a Socket G2 laptop, providing the maximum possible dual-core performance on that platform.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3230M or Intel Core i5-3340M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3340M comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3230M or Intel Core i5-3340M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3340M leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-3230M and Intel Core i5-3340M.
Do Intel Core i5-3230M and Intel Core i5-3340M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3340M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3230M (1,900), Intel Core i5-3340M (2,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.