3020e vs Core i3-3245

CPU

GPU

3020e

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2020

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Core i3-3245

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WW2013

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3020e vs Core i3-3245 Performance Spectrum

3020e

2 / 2

2,406

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-3245

2 / 4

2,412

+0.2%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

3020e vs Core i3-3245 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3020e vs Core i3-3245: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3020e

2020

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $20 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
✅Delivers 19.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 55W, a 54W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,406 vs 2,412).

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
❌5400% higher power demand at 55W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3245 better than 3020e?

Yes. Core i3-3245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3245 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-3245 comes in 20.0% more expensive on MSRP at $120 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. 3020e only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 2.4% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

3020e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3020e vs Core i3-3245 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

3020e

The 3020e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,406 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The 3020e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3245's 2 cores. The 3020e is built on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. In PassMark, the 3020e scores 2,406 against the Core i3-3245's 2,412 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3020e vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245.

Feature	3020e	Core i3-3245
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+183%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Dali (Zen) (2020)	—
PassMark	2,406	2,412
Cinebench R23 Multi	480	—
Geekbench 6 Single	660	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The 3020e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the 3020e versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 — the 3020e supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (3020e) vs 16 (Core i3-3245) — the Core i3-3245 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	3020e	Core i3-3245
Socket	FT5	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (3020e) vs VT-x (Core i3-3245). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon Graphics (Vega 3) (3020e) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: 3020e targets Entry Level Laptop, Core i3-3245 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: 3020e rivals Celeron N4020.

Feature	3020e	Core i3-3245
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x
Target Use	Entry Level Laptop	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the 3020e was priced at $100, while the Core i3-3245 came in at $120. On launch pricing ($100 vs $120), 3020e was $20 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the 3020e delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-3245 — making the 3020e the 17.9% better value option.

Feature	3020e	Core i3-3245
MSRP	$100-17%	$120
Performance per Dollar	24.1+20%	20.1
Release Date	2020	2013

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