CPU Comparison
Core i5-3610ME vs Intel Core i3-1115G4E
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3610ME is a dual-core mobile processor released in June 2012, targeting embedded and standard mobile platforms. As a part of the Ivy Bridge family, it features a base clock of 2.7 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.3 GHz. The processor supports four threads via Hyper-Threading, ensuring efficient multitasking capabilities for its era. Equipped with 3 MB of L3 cache, it offers quick data access for frequently used applications. The 35-watt thermal design power makes it suitable for a variety of laptop designs, balancing power and thermal constraints. It also incorporates Intel HD Graphics 4000, delivering smooth video playback and entry-level gaming capabilities. Its support for ECC memory in certain configurations makes it uniquely appealing for entry-level server and industrial applications requiring data integrity. Furthermore, the Socket G2 compatibility provides integrators with flexible deployment options for long-life cycles.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sufficient for basic office tasks running on lightweight operating systems.
Handles the UI and logic for single-purpose embedded systems well, but not suited for general productivity.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming; HD 4000 handles only legacy 2D or very old 3D titles.
Not designed or intended for gaming applications.
Virtualization
Good for lightweight VMs, especially with ECC memory ensuring stability.
Two cores are insufficient for meaningful virtualization in embedded environments.
Efficiency
22nm process offers decent efficiency, though modern embedded chips are far superior.
Highly efficient for always-on industrial environments, especially when power-capped at 12 W.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Inadequate for modern inference workloads
- The IPU 6.0 is specifically designed to accelerate edge vision and AI inference workloads
- Lacks the NPU power of modern dedicated edge AI chips but is sufficient for basic classification tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Graphics frequency limited to 950 MHz
- Not targeted at consumer gaming
- Lacks modern API support
- This is an embedded processor, gaming performance is not a relevant metric
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Supports ECC memory for data integrity
- Long-term embedded availability
- Good virtualization support (VT-d)
- Solid 22nm efficiency for 2012
- AES-NI support for encryption
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Obsolete for modern software
- No Windows 11 support
- Low graphics clock speed (950 MHz max)
- DDR3 memory is outdated
Pros
- IPU 6.0 provides dedicated hardware acceleration for edge vision tasks
- Embedded validation ensures long-term availability and reliability
- Configurable TDP down to 12 W for fanless industrial designs
- Low 2-core power draw is ideal for compact edge devices
- UHD G4 48EU graphics handle multi-display signage well
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores limit general compute performance
- Restricted to 4 PCIe lanes, limiting expansion options
- Not available through consumer retail channels
- No DDR5 support
- High launch price of $285 for a 2-core chip reflects embedded margins
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-3610ME
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3360MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3320MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3610ME BGAAlt
Soldered version for compact embedded systems.
Budget alternative if ECC is not required.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-3610QEAlt
Quad-core embedded alternative for higher performance.
Intel Core i3-1115G4E
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250UERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UERival
Performance Embedded
- Intel N100Rival
Low-Power Embedded
- NVIDIA Jetson Orin NanoRival
Edge AI
- Qualcomm QCS6490Rival
ARM Edge
- Intel Core i5-1135G7EAlt
A higher-end embedded Tiger Lake option with 4 cores for more demanding industrial applications.
- AMD Ryzen R1606GAlt
An alternative embedded APU for ruggedized industrial PCs.
Our Verdict on Each
A specialized variant of Ivy Bridge that brought ECC memory support to mobile embedded platforms, offering great reliability for its time.
Best for: Replacing a failed CPU in a legacy industrial motherboard.
Read the full reviewA specialized embedded processor that trades standard PCIe lanes and core count for industrial features like the IPU 6.0 and long-term availability, targeting specific edge AI and vision use cases.
Best for: The i3-1115G4E is strictly a business-to-business component purchased by OEMs and system integrators through Intel's embedded channels. You should specify this processor if you are designing an industrial edge device that requires the IPU 6.0 for machine vision, needs guaranteed 7+ year component availability, and operates in an environment where a 12W to 28W power envelope is mandatory. Do not buy this for a consumer laptop or desktop build, as it lacks the PCIe lanes and core count for general computing, and it cannot be purchased through normal retail channels anyway.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i5-3610ME or Intel Core i3-1115G4E?
For gaming, the Core i5-3610ME leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Core i5-3610ME and Intel Core i3-1115G4E.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-1115G4E has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-3610ME (35 W), Intel Core i3-1115G4E (15 W).
Do Core i5-3610ME and Intel Core i3-1115G4E use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-3610ME: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i3-1115G4E: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1115G4E posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-3610ME (2,400), Intel Core i3-1115G4E (4,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.