Core i3-2100 vs Core i5-2300: CPU comparison

Performance score

Core i3-2100 2011 · 2/4 cores/threads, 65 W

9.09

Core i5-2300 2011 · 4/4 cores/threads, 95 W

10.59 +17%

Core i3-12100F Core i5-12400F Ryzen 5 7500F Ryzen 7 7800X3D Ryzen 7 9800X3D Core Ultra 7 265K Core i9-14900K Ryzen 9 9950X

By our estimate, Core i5-2300 beats Core i3-2100 by 17%.

Both CPUs use the same socket (LGA1155), so you can swap one for the other on the same board (check BIOS support).

The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.

Real tests

What the test measures

Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.

CPU rendering (Blender)

Core i5-2300

26

faster than 6% of tested · runs: 1

Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.

Overview

	Core i3-2100	Core i5-2300
Score (0–100)	9.09	10.59
Ranking position	522	514
Power efficiency (0–100)	7.31	5.83
Type	Desktop	Desktop
Manufacturer	Intel	Intel
Architecture	Sandy Bridge	Sandy Bridge
Release date	Q1 2011	Q1 2011

Specifications

	Core i3-2100	Core i5-2300
Cores	2	4
Threads	4	4
Base clock	3.1 GHz	2.8 GHz
Boost clock	3.1 GHz	3.1 GHz
L3 cache	3 MB	6 MB
Process node	32 nm	32 nm
Unlocked multiplier	no	no
Integrated graphics	Intel HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 2000
NPU (AI accelerator)	no	no

Compatibility

	Core i3-2100	Core i5-2300
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
TDP	65 W	95 W

Memory and PCI Express

	Core i3-2100	Core i5-2300
Memory type	DDR3-1066/1333	DDR3-1066/1333
Memory channels	2	2
Max memory	32 GB	32 GB
PCI Express version	2.0	2.0
PCIe lanes	16	16

Pros and cons

Core i3-2100

lower TDP: 65 W vs 95 W

Core i5-2300

17% higher overall score
more cores: 4 vs 2
bigger L3 cache: 6 MB vs 3 MB

Other comparisons

Visitor rating

Questions and comments

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