Core 2 Extreme X9100 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 Extreme X9100 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 Extreme X9100 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 Extreme X9100

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,063 vs 2,078).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.4 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($851 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌25.7% higher power demand at 44W vs 35W.

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $734 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $851 MSRP).
✅Delivers 632.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 2.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $851 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 44W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core 2 Extreme X9100?

Yes. Core i3-3240T 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, 0.7% 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 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, Core i3-3240T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% 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 $734 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $851 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 632.6% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 2.4 PassMark/$), 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 2008) 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 Extreme X9100 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Extreme X9100

The Core 2 Extreme X9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn XE (2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,063 points. Launch price was $851.

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 Extreme X9100 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X9100 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 190.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 3.06 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme X9100 uses the Penryn XE (2008) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme X9100 scores 2,063 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3240T. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme X9100 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme X9100	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.07 GHz	3 GHz+4186%
Base Clock	3.06 GHz+6%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB+2300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn XE (2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,063	2,078

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme X9100 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 Extreme X9100	Core i3-3240T
Socket	PGA478	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme X9100 was priced at $851, while the Core i3-3240T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($851 vs $117), Core i3-3240T was $734 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme X9100 delivers 2.4 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Core i3-3240T the 152% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme X9100	Core i3-3240T
MSRP	$851	$117-86%
Performance per Dollar	2.4	17.8+642%
Release Date	2008	2012

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