CPU
GPU
Core i3-2125
Core i3-3240T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2125 is positioned at rank 892 and the Core i3-3240T is on rank 851, so the Core i3-3240T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2125
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2125 | Core i3-3240T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($8) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2125 | Core i3-3240T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+87%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($8) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2125 and Core i3-3240T
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 | ❌ | — |
| 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
The Core i3-2125 launched at $134 MSRP, while the Core i3-3240T debuted at $117. At current prices ($15 vs $8), the Core i3-3240T is $7 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2125 delivers 138.8 pts/$ vs 259.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Core i3-3240T the 60.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Core i3-3240T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $134 | $117-13% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | $8-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 138.8 | 259.8+87% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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