Core 2 Duo T7250 vs Core i3-3240T

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.

Core 2 Duo T7250 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.

Core 2 Duo T7250 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.

Core 2 Duo T7250

2007

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,073 vs 2,078).

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T7250 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core 2 Duo T7250?

Yes. Core i3-3240T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 1.2% 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 0.2% 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 better buy right now. Core i3-3240T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3240T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T7250 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T7250

The Core 2 Duo T7250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,073 points. Launch price was $249.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7250 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7250 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7250 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7250 scores 2,073 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-3240T. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7250 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7250	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3 GHz+50%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.9 GHz+45%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,073	2,078

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7250 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3240T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7250	Core i3-3240T
Socket	PGA478	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7250) / not specified (Core i3-3240T). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7250 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7250 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.