Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 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 i3-2130 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 i3-2130

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i3-3240T needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3240T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,067 vs 2,078).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.0 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $21 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
✅Delivers 18.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2130 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2130.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core i3-2130?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2130 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3240T pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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 0.5% 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 $21 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-2130 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 18.6% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), 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 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2130 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2130

The Core i3-2130 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.

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

Both the Core i3-2130 and Core i3-3240T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 scores 2,067 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-3240T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+13%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	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	2,067	2,078
Geekbench 6 Single	505	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i3-2130	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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2130) / not specified (Core i3-3240T). The Core i3-2130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i3-3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Core i3-3240T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2130 was priced at $138, while the Core i3-3240T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($138 vs $117), Core i3-3240T was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2130 delivers 15.0 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Core i3-3240T the 17% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Core i3-3240T
MSRP	$138	$117-15%
Performance per Dollar	15.0	17.8+19%
Release Date	2011	2012

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