The Intel Core i5-10310U is a powerhouse of efficiency and performance, packaged neatly into a compact quad-core SoC for laptops. This chip was announced in August of 2019 and belongs to the Comet Lake (CML-U) generation of processors. The i5-10310U sets itself apart from its similar Whiskey Lake counterparts, such as the i5-8665U, by offering support for higher memory speeds and two additional cores in its top model.
With a clock speed ranging from 1.7 GHz to a speedy 4.4 GHz, the i5-10310U is a real powerhouse. Its eight threads, made possible by HyperThreading technology, make this processor a real workhorse. Despite the slight reduction in its level 3 cache, compared to the i5-10510U, the i5-10310U still delivers excellent performance for its class.
The integrated graphics card in this SoC may be familiar to those who've used previous generations of processors. It is called Intel HD Graphics 620 and operates at a clock speed of 300 MHz to 1100 MHz. The i5-10310U also features a VP9 and H.265 encoder and decoder, as well as an integrated dual-channel memory controller, supporting DDR4-2666, LPDDR4x 2933, and LPDDR3-2133 memory types.
But what sets this chip apart is its power consumption. The default TDP (thermal design power) of this Core i5 is a mere 15 W, with laptop manufacturers free to change this to anything from 10 W to 25 W, depending on their desired performance and cooling setup. However, short-term power consumption can reach as high as 80 W or even 90 W, making passive cooling designs less likely. Despite this, the 14 nm Intel manufacturing process used for this processor ensures that it remains a highly efficient piece of technology.
The i5-10310U is part of the larger Intel Comet Lake family of processors, and it holds its own against the other members of this series. With 6 MB of level 3 cache, 4 cores, and 8 threads, this chip is well-equipped to handle any task you throw its way. Its dual-channel DDR4 memory controller, HyperThreading, AVX2, Quick Sync, virtualization, and AES-NI technologies make it a truly versatile piece of technology.
With its powerful performance, efficient power consumption, and versatile feature set, the Intel Core i5-10310U is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient processor for their laptop. It was announced on May 13th, 2020, and remains a relevant piece of technology 996 days later.
