Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-3240T

Intel

Celeron 6305

2 Cores2 Thrd2.5 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2020
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i3-3240T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······

Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-3240T Performance Spectrum

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.

Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-3240T 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.

Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-3240T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 6305

2020

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $10 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Delivers 9.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.4 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Draws 3W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,077 vs 2,078).

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
    • 1300% higher power demand at 35W vs 2.5W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Celeron 6305 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i3-3240T better than Celeron 6305?
    Yes. Core i3-3240T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3240T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Core i3-3240T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i3-3240T is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-3240T comes in 9.3% more expensive on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron 6305 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?
    Celeron 6305 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron 6305

    The Celeron 6305 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.5 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,077 points. Launch price was $69.

    Intel

    Core i3-3240T

    The Core i3-3240T 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron 6305 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Celeron 6305 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 50% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T. The Celeron 6305 uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 6305 scores 2,077 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0% lead for the Core i3-3240T. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron 6305 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

    FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-3240T
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    1.8 GHz
    3 GHz+67%
    Base Clock
    2.9 GHz
    L3 Cache
    4 MB+33%
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    2.5 MB+900%
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    10 nm SuperFin-55%
    22 nm
    Architecture
    Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    PassMark
    2,077
    2,078
    Geekbench 6 Single
    744
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    1,236
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron 6305 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-3240T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-3240T
    Socket
    FCBGA1449
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 4.0+33%
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-3200
    Max RAM Capacity
    64 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    4
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron 6305) / not specified (Core i3-3240T). The Celeron 6305 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 11th Gen), while the Core i3-3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 6305 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 6305 rivals Pentium Gold 7505.

    FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-3240T
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    UHD Graphics for 11th Gen
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    Target Use
    Budget
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron 6305 was priced at $107, while the Core i3-3240T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($107 vs $117), Celeron 6305 was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 6305 delivers 19.4 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Celeron 6305 the 8.9% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-3240T
    MSRP
    $107-9%
    $117
    Performance per Dollar
    19.4+9%
    17.8
    Release Date
    2020
    2012

    Affiliate Disclosure

    ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

    Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.