Core i3-2125 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 i3-2125 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 i3-2125 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 i3-2125

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-3240T needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3240T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.5 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $17 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 15.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,078 vs 2,082).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2125 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2125.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2125 better than Core i3-3240T?

Yes. Core i3-2125 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 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2125 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 i3-2125 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 i3-2125 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2125 comes in 14.5% more expensive on MSRP at $134 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3240T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 14.3% better value on paper (17.8 vs 15.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3240T 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.

Core i3-2125 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2125

The Core i3-2125 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.

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

Both the Core i3-2125 and Core i3-3240T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2125 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2125 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-2125 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2125 scores 2,082 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2125. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2125	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+10%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+14%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,082	2,078
Geekbench 6 Single	499	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i3-2125	Core i3-3240T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2125) / not specified (Core i3-3240T). The Core i3-2125 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.

Feature	Core i3-2125	Core i3-3240T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2125 was priced at $134, while the Core i3-3240T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($134 vs $117), Core i3-3240T was $17 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2125 delivers 15.5 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Core i3-3240T the 13.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2125	Core i3-3240T
MSRP	$134	$117-13%
Performance per Dollar	15.5	17.8+15%
Release Date	2011	2012

Search Core i3-2125 on Amazon

Search Core i3-3240T on Amazon

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.