A10-9600P vs Core i3-3240

A10-9600P vs Core i3-3240 Performance Spectrum

A10-9600P

4 / 4

2,333

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-3240

2 / 4

2,352

+0.8%

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.

A10-9600P vs Core i3-3240 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.

A10-9600P vs Core i3-3240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-9600P

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $4 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 53W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5, while Core i3-3240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,333 vs 2,352).

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌
3.1% HIGHER MSRP
$132 MSRPvs$128 MSRP
❌2650% higher power demand at 55W vs 2W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A10-9600P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than A10-9600P?

Yes. Core i3-3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3240 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 3% higher max boost clock.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3240 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-3240 comes in 3.1% more expensive on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $128 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% higher PassMark. A10-9600P 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.

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

A10-9600P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-9600P vs Core i3-3240 Technical Specifications

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

A10-9600P

The A10-9600P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,333 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The A10-9600P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3240 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-9600P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the A10-9600P versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The A10-9600P uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-3240 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A10-9600P scores 2,333 against the Core i3-3240's 2,352 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-3240.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i3-3240
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2048 kB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm	22 nm-21%
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,333	2,352
Geekbench 6 Single	469	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-9600P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i3-3240
Socket	FP4	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	8	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A10-9600P) / not specified (Core i3-3240). The A10-9600P includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-9600P targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A10-9600P rivals Core i3-6006U.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i3-3240
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Radeon R5	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	AMD-V	—
Target Use	Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-9600P was priced at $128, while the Core i3-3240 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($128 vs $132), A10-9600P was $4 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-9600P delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240 — making the A10-9600P the 2.3% better value option.

Feature	A10-9600P	Core i3-3240
MSRP	$128-3%	$132
Performance per Dollar	18.2+2%	17.8
Release Date	2016	2012

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