A8-3850 vs Core i3-3245

A8-3850 vs Core i3-3245 Performance Spectrum

A8-3850

4 / 4

2,421

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-3245

2 / 4

2,412

0.0%

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.

A8-3850 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.

A8-3850 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.

A8-3850

2011

Why buy it

✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3245.

Trade-offs

❌81.8% higher power demand at 100W vs 55W.

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 100W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,421).
❌Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while A8-3850 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3850.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3850 better than Core i3-3245?

Yes. A8-3850 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A8-3850 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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, A8-3850 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A8-3850 is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-3850 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3850 vs Core i3-3245 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3850

The A8-3850 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,421 points. Launch price was $90.

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.

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Processing Power

The A8-3850 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3245 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3850 has 2 more cores. The A8-3850 is built on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. In PassMark, the A8-3850 scores 2,421 against the Core i3-3245's 2,412 — a 0.4% lead for the A8-3850. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3850 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245.

Feature	A8-3850	Core i3-3245
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.4 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	—
PassMark	2,421	2,412
Geekbench 6 Single	363	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3850 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3850 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 — the A8-3850 supports 16.6% 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: 20 (A8-3850) vs 16 (Core i3-3245) — the A8-3850 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A8-3850	Core i3-3245
Socket	FM1	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+17%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3850) vs VT-x (Core i3-3245). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3850) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3850 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i3-3245 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3850 rivals Core i3-2105.