Core i3-3217U
VS
Core i3-2328M

Core i3-3217U vs Core i3-2328M

Intel

Core i3-3217U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2012
VS
Intel

Core i3-2328M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2012

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 i3-3217U is positioned at rank 684 and the Core i3-2328M is on rank 76, so the Core i3-2328M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3217U

#672
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
957%
#673
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
943%
#674
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
866%
#675
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
862%
#676
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
854%
#678
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
825%
#679
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
791%
#680
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
790%
#681
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
768%
#684
Core i3-3217U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#695
Processor N95
MSRP: $160|Avg: $80
98%
#699
Athlon Silver 3050e
MSRP: $100|Avg: $60
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2328M

#18
Ryzen 5 8500G
MSRP: $179|Avg: $150
97%
#64
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
238%
#65
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
234%
#66
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
215%
#67
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
214%
#68
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
212%
#70
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
205%
#71
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
196%
#72
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
196%
#73
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
191%
#76
Core i3-2328M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#79
Atom D2500
MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A
98%
#88
Core 2 Duo T7500
MSRP: $316|Avg: $5
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core i3-2328M delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i3-3217U in both compute-intensive tasks (0.7% faster) and gaming workloads.
InsightCore i3-3217UCore i3-2328M
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
Equivalent pricing
Equivalent pricing
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightCore i3-3217UCore i3-2328M
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
Equivalent pricing
Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i3-3217U and Core i3-2328M

Intel

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.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3217U and Core i3-2328M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core i3-3217U versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2328M — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-2328M (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-3217U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-2328M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3217U scores 1,226 against the Core i3-2328M's 1,234 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2328M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-3217UCore i3-2328M
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.8 GHz
2.2 GHz+22%
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2.2 GHz+22%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,226
1,234
Geekbench 6 Single
329
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3217U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2328M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i3-3217U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2328M — 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: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3217U) and HM65,HM67,QM67,HM75,HM76,HM77 (Core i3-2328M).

FeatureCore i3-3217UCore i3-2328M
Socket
BGA1023
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1600+53233%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32
16 GB+52428700%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-3217U) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2328M). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3217U) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2328M) — 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 i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M; Core i3-2328M rivals Pentium B980.

FeatureCore i3-3217UCore i3-2328M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Budget Laptop