CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3320M vs Intel Core i5-4300M
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.
The 3.6 GHz turbo boost keeps single-threaded tasks feeling responsive, though 2 cores limit heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Can play older titles like CS:GO on low settings, but nothing modern.
HD 5000 graphics allow for playable framerates in older games at 720p or 1080p on low settings.
Virtualization
Basic VM support, limited by 2 cores.
Decent for light VMs thanks to VT-d support, but limited by the dual-core design.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 2012, but poor by modern mobile standards.
37W TDP is standard for mobile but runs warmer and less efficiently than modern 15W chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI silicon
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Dual-core limits inference performance
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
- Comparable to a low-end discrete mobile GPU
- Can run Skyrim or CS:GO on low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
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
- High 3.6 GHz turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- Socketed design allows for upgrades
- HD 5000 graphics are decent for older games
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- 37W TDP runs warm and drains battery faster than 'U' models
- End-of-life and outdated
- Locked multiplier
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 i5-4300M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3230MRival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5350MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen quad-core mobile chip that runs cooler and uses less power.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
A modern mobile quad-core with Vega graphics that vastly outperforms this chip.
- Intel Core i5-4300M (Used)Alt
If repairing an old laptop, finding a used i7-4700MQ or MQ chip for the same socket is a better upgrade.
A modern dual-core mobile chip that obliterates this i5 in performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget desktop alternative if moving away from old mobile platforms.
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 reviewA solid mainstream mobile processor for its era, offering good single-core turbo speeds and decent integrated graphics, though lacking modern multi-core power.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap used business laptop for basic typing or offline work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3320M or Intel Core i5-4300M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4300M comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i5-3320M or Intel Core i5-4300M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4300M leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-3320M and Intel Core i5-4300M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3320M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3320M (35 W), Intel Core i5-4300M (37 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3320M and Intel Core i5-4300M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3320M: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1023, Intel Core i5-4300M: Intel Socket G3), 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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.