
Core i3-2328M vs Core i3-3217U

Core i3-2328M

Core i3-3217U
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 i3-2328M is positioned at rank 76 and the Core i3-3217U is on rank 684, so the Core i3-2328M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2328M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3217U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2328M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2328M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i3-2328M and Core i3-3217U

Core i3-2328M
The Core i3-2328M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,234 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i3-3217U
The Core i3-3217U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-2328M and Core i3-3217U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2328M versus 1.8 GHz on the Core i3-3217U — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-2328M (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-2328M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3217U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2328M scores 1,234 against the Core i3-3217U's 1,226 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2328M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-2328M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz+22% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz+22% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,234 | 1,226 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 329 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2328M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3217U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2328M versus 1600 on the Core i3-3217U — the Core i3-3217U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3217U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,HM75,HM76,HM77 (Core i3-2328M) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3217U).
| Feature | Core i3-2328M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+52428700% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2328M) vs true (Core i3-3217U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2328M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3217U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2328M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2328M rivals Pentium B980; Core i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M.
| Feature | Core i3-2328M | Core i3-3217U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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