Core i3-3210 vs Pro A8-8600B

Intel

Core i3-3210

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Pro A8-8600B

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3 GHz2015
Similar parts
·······

Core i3-3210 vs Pro A8-8600B 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 Pro A8-8600B 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 Pro A8-8600B: 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

  • Costs $33 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • Delivers 29.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.1 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Pro A8-8600B needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Pro A8-8600B.

Trade-offs

  • 2650% higher power demand at 55W vs 2W.

Pro A8-8600B

2015

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,203 vs 2,229).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.7 vs 19.1 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3210 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3210.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3210 better than Pro A8-8600B?
Yes. Core i3-3210 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3210 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i3-3210 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-3210 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3210 comes in $33 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.7% better value on MSRP (19.1 vs 14.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pro A8-8600B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3210 vs Pro A8-8600B 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.

AMD

Pro A8-8600B

The Pro A8-8600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 3 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3/DDR3L-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,203 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i3-3210 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pro A8-8600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pro A8-8600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-3210 versus 3 GHz on the Pro A8-8600B — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-3210 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-3210 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pro A8-8600B uses Carrizo (2015−2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3210 scores 2,229 against the Pro A8-8600B's 2,203 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-3210.

FeatureCore i3-3210Pro A8-8600B
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+7%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+100%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
3072 kB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
2048 kB+700%
Process
22 nm-21%
28 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Carrizo (2015−2018)
PassMark
2,229+1%
2,203
Geekbench 6 Single
505
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,113
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3210 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pro A8-8600B uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-3210Pro A8-8600B
Socket
LGA1155
FP4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-3210) / not specified (Pro A8-8600B). The Core i3-3210 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Pro A8-8600B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3210 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3210 rivals Ryzen 3 1200.

FeatureCore i3-3210Pro A8-8600B
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3210 was priced at $117, while the Pro A8-8600B came in at $150. On launch pricing ($117 vs $150), Core i3-3210 was $33 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3210 delivers 19.1 pts/$ vs 14.7 pts/$ for the Pro A8-8600B — making the Core i3-3210 the 25.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-3210Pro A8-8600B
MSRP
$117-22%
$150
Performance per Dollar
19.1+30%
14.7
Release Date
2013
2015

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.