A8-3870K vs Core i3-3240

A8-3870K vs Core i3-3240 Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

+0.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-3240

2 / 4

2,352

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.

A8-3870K 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.

A8-3870K 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.

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Core i3-3240 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3240.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,352 vs 2,360).
❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while A8-3870K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3870K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than A8-3870K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240 is ahead with a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3240 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that A8-3870K is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Core i3-3240 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

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 A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3240 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3240 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core i3-3240's 2,352 — a 0.3% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i3-3240
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.4 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,360	2,352
Geekbench 6 Single	380	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i3-3240
Socket	FM1	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3870K) / not specified (Core i3-3240). The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.