The microprocessor Core i5-3210M is designed to create high-performance mobile computer systems . The characteristics of this chip are still relevant and allow most of the existing software code to be executed. It is to this model of the CPU that the small overview that is brought to your attention will be devoted.
Positioning
In 2012, the i5-3210M microprocessor was released . His characteristics at that time were really advanced and allowed to execute any program code, including the most resource-intensive. Although a lot of time has passed since then by the standards of computer technology, the hardware of this solution is still relevant. In any case, the chip in question is intended for use in high-performance laptops with long battery life.
CPU Parameters
The generation of CPUs, code-named Ivi Bridge, belongs to the i5-3210M. Characteristics indicate the presence of 2 physical cores, which, through the use of NT's proprietary technology, can already process the code in 4 data streams at the software level. The crystal of this processor had a size of 37.5 mm x 37.5 mm and was manufactured according to 22 nm technical standards. In this case, the semiconductor elements had a three-dimensional layout TriGate. The basic value of the clock frequency is 2.5 GHz, but due to the support of the automatic TV overclocking technology, its value can increase to 3.1 GHz. The thermal package of the microprocessor is limited to only 35 W, and its maximum temperature is 105 ° C. The chip in question is installed in the FCPGA988 socket, which is used only in laptops.
Memory Subsystem Features
The integrated random access memory controller is equipped with Intel i5-3210M. Its characteristics indicate that it can work in dual channel mode. That is, the use of an increased number of memory modules, but with a smaller volume, instead of one large bar allows you to increase the productivity of a mobile PC by 10-15%. For example, it is better to install 2 modules of 4 GB each than one of 8 GB. Three types of RAM chips can be used in conjunction with this processor: DDR3, DDR3L and DDR3RS. Their clock frequencies can be 1333 or 1600 MHz. You can install a faster RAM, but it will not give any performance gain. Their frequency will drop automatically to the maximum possible 1600 MHz. The largest amount of RAM that the controller in question can address is limited to 32 GB. Real laptop models based on such a CPU were equipped with either 4 or 8 GB. A three-tier organization has a cache memory in this microprocessor. Its first level is 128 kb, and the second is 512 kb. The largest size is the third level of fast memory, which is 3 MB.
Integrated graphics card
The i5-3210M processor is equipped with an integrated graphics core. The characteristics of the latter indicate an initial level of performance. Its model is HD Graphics version 4000. This video card is integrated on the same substrate as the processor part. That is, the production technology of this graphics accelerator complies with the tolerance standards of 22 nm. Its clock frequency in the basic mode is 650 MHz, but due to automatic overclocking, the latter value can be increased to 1100 MHz. No more than 3 monitors can be connected to this accelerator at the same time. In order to improve performance, this accelerator can directly interact with the third level of cache, which is 3 MB. As the video buffer acts as part of the RAM of the computer system.
The relevance of the chip today
As noted earlier, the i5-3210M is still an up-to-date microprocessor device. In the 3DMark06 test, this chip gains 3553 points, and by this value it bypasses representatives of previous generations i5-2520M and i7-840QM. The first of them scores 3542 points, and the second - 3532. But at the same time it is inferior to the FX-7600P from AMD, which scores 3589 points. If the laptop is equipped with a discrete graphics card, then the PC turns into a full-fledged gaming system. Of course, not all toys in this case will go with the maximum parameters, but most of them will definitely be launched.
Reviews
Only on the positive side do the owners of the Intel Core i5-3210M processor characterize. The characteristics of this chip are really balanced. And not only in terms of productivity, but also in terms of energy efficiency. The next 2-3 years, this microprocessor will still be relevant. After this period, the owners of such PCs will have to carry out a planned laptop replacement. This is how not only the owners characterize this chip in the reviews, but also the corresponding profile specialists.
Conclusion Owners opinion
A landmark event in the world of mobile computers was the release of i5-3210M. His characteristics are not revolutionary, but the presence of such parameters is still enough to solve most of the urgent problems. It is perfect for games, and for processing graphic information, and for encoding media content and other possible tasks.