CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3320M vs Intel Core i3-10110U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3320M is a dual-core mobile processor launched in June 2012 under the Ivy Bridge generation. Fabricated on a 22nm process, this chip was tailored for business and performance-mainstream laptops. It operates at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.3 GHz, providing a slight edge over the 3210M. With two cores and four threads, it handles multitasking efficiently for its era. The 35-watt TDP ensures it runs cool enough for standard laptop chassis. A key differentiator for this model is the inclusion of Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), making it more appealing for corporate environments where hardware security is a priority. It also features the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, which dynamically scale from 650 MHz to 1200 MHz. While it shares the same 3MB L3 cache as its siblings, the higher clock speeds give it a tangible advantage in single-threaded workloads. Though long discontinued, it represents a strong value tier from the Ivy Bridge era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office apps well but struggles with modern web apps.
Can handle a single Word document or spreadsheet, but opening multiple browser tabs alongside office apps will cause severe slowdowns.
Gaming
Can play older titles like CS:GO on low settings, but nothing modern.
The basic UHD graphics cannot handle any modern games. Even older e-sports titles will struggle at low settings.
Virtualization
Basic VM support, limited by 2 cores.
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally inadequate for running virtual machines.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 2012, but poor by modern mobile standards.
While 25W is low, modern ARM chips and newer Intel chips do far more work per watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI silicon
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI hardware
- No AVX-512
- Cannot handle AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern 3D rendering
- Suitable for 2D indie games
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12 feature levels
- No dedicated gaming capability
- Integrated UHD graphics are severely limited
- CPU bottlenecks even the lightest games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Higher base and turbo clocks than 3210M
- Intel TXT and vPro support
- Good performance for 2012
- 35W TDP allows for easy cooling
- Hardware video encode/decode (Quick Sync)
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- No Windows 11 support
- Only 2 cores / 4 threads
- Weak integrated graphics
- Lacks modern I/O connectivity
Pros
- Very cheap on the used market
- Low 25W power draw
- Supports both DDR3L and DDR4
- 4.1 GHz boost provides okay single-task speed
- Sufficient for basic offline typing
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- 4MB L3 cache is very small
- End-of-Life and no longer manufactured
- UHD graphics are extremely weak
- Struggles with modern web applications
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3320M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile CPU
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i3-3120MRival
Mobile CPU
Even faster Ivy Bridge mobile alternative.
Compare head-to-headHaswell successor with better IPC and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium 4415UAlt
Modern low-end alternative with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200UAlt
Modern budget alternative with superior graphics.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern alternative with much better performance per watt.
Intel Core i3-10110U
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Athlon 300URival
Budget Mobile
- Intel Pentium Gold 5405URival
Entry Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7cRival
Budget Mobile
- MediaTek Kompanio 500Rival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Offers 4 cores and 8 threads, completely solving the multitasking issues of the 10110U.
11th-gen successor with much better single-core performance and Iris Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-headA massive leap in performance and efficiency for thin-and-light laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
If buying a premium laptop, the M1 offers exponentially better battery life and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Any Modern ARM ChromebookAlt
For basic web browsing, a cheap ARM Chromebook will feel faster and last longer on a charge.
Our Verdict on Each
A slightly faster, security-enhanced Ivy Bridge mobile chip ideal for old enterprise laptops, but unsuitable for modern use.
Best for: Buying a system with the Intel Core i5-3320M in the modern era is generally not recommended unless you have very specific needs. As a 3rd-generation Intel Core processor, it is fundamentally obsolete for modern workloads and lacks official Windows 11 support. However, if you are looking for a cheap, rugged, used ThinkPad for Linux experimentation, light coding, or as a typewriter, the 3320M is a capable chip. Its 2.6 GHz base and 3.3 GHz turbo, combined with four threads, can handle basic web browsing and document editing if paired with an SSD. Avoid buying this for gaming, streaming, or video editing. The presence of vPro and TXT makes it historically interesting for studying enterprise security, but for daily use, even a low-end Intel Celeron N4000 will offer better efficiency and modern feature support. Only purchase if the price is negligible.
Read the full reviewObsolete for modern use. Its 2 cores struggle heavily with today's web applications, making it suitable only for the lightest, most basic computing tasks.
Best for: You should avoid purchasing any new laptop containing the Intel Core i3-10110U in today's market. With only 2 cores and 4 threads, this processor struggles heavily with modern web browsing habits, where having dozens of tabs open alongside streaming video or communication apps will quickly saturate its processing capability. If you are looking at the used or refurbished market, laptops with this chip should only be considered if they are exceptionally cheap (under $150) and if your usage is strictly limited to lightweight tasks like writing documents, watching offline video, or basic web surfing. For a new budget laptop, even the most basic ARM-based Chromebook or an AMD Ryzen 3 powered Windows laptop will provide a vastly superior, longer-lasting experience due to having more CPU cores and significantly better integrated graphics. Do not buy this chip for any form of multitasking.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3320M or Intel Core i3-10110U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3320M comes out ahead with a score of 4.2/10. 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 i5-3320M or Intel Core i3-10110U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3320M leads with a gaming performance score of 18/100 among Intel Core i5-3320M and Intel Core i3-10110U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-10110U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3320M (35 W), Intel Core i3-10110U (25 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3320M and Intel Core i3-10110U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3320M: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1023, Intel Core i3-10110U: BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3320M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3320M (2,700), Intel Core i3-10110U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.