Core i3-3210 vs Core i5-8200Y

Intel

Core i3-3210

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-8200Y

2 Cores4 Thrd5 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i3-3210 vs Core i5-8200Y Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-3210 vs Core i5-8200Y 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 i3-3210 vs Core i5-8200Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3210

2013

Why buy it

  • 60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-8200Y.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (505 vs 858).
  • Lower PassMark (2,229 vs 2,245).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i5-8200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 1000% higher power demand at 55W vs 5W.

Core i5-8200Y

2018

Why buy it

  • +69.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Draws 5W instead of 55W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3210.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-8200Y better than Core i3-3210?
Yes. Core i5-8200Y 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, 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 i5-8200Y 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 i5-8200Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-8200Y is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-8200Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3210 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (19.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-8200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), 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 i3-3210 vs Core i5-8200Y Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-3210

The Core i3-3210 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,229 points. Launch price was $120.

Intel

Core i5-8200Y

The Core i5-8200Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,245 points. Launch price was $291.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3210 and Core i5-8200Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-3210 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-8200Y — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-8200Y (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i3-3210 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-8200Y uses Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3210 scores 2,229 against the Core i5-8200Y's 2,245 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-8200Y. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 505 vs 858, a 51.8% lead for the Core i5-8200Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total) on the Core i3-3210 vs 4 MB on the Core i5-8200Y.

FeatureCore i3-3210Core i5-8200Y
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.9 GHz+22%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+146%
1.3 GHz
L3 Cache
3072 kB (total)
4 MB+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)
PassMark
2,229
2,245
Geekbench 6 Single
505
858+70%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,113
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3210 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8200Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3210 versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-8200Y — the Core i5-8200Y supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3210 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3210) vs 10 (Core i5-8200Y) — the Core i3-3210 offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B75,H77 (Core i3-3210) and Amber Lake-Y (Core i5-8200Y).

FeatureCore i3-3210Core i5-8200Y
Socket
LGA1155
FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
LPDDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16+60%
10
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3210) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8200Y). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3210) and UHD Graphics 615 (Core i5-8200Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3210 targets Budget, Core i5-8200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i3-3210 rivals Ryzen 3 1200; Core i5-8200Y rivals Athlon 300U.

FeatureCore i3-3210Core i5-8200Y
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2500
UHD Graphics 615
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Tablet/2-in-1