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 i3-3220 vs Core i7-940XM 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 i3-3220 vs Core i7-940XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3220

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $979 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
✅Delivers 839.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.5 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Core i7-940XM needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-940XM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,269 vs 2,276).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 19.5 PassMark/$ ($1,096 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220 better than Core i7-940XM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-940XM is ahead with a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3220 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-940XM also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3220 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220 comes in $979 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $1,096 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-940XM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 839.6% better value on MSRP (19.5 vs 2.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3220 vs Core i7-940XM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220

The Core i3-3220 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3220 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-940XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3220 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 0.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i3-3220 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220 scores 2,276 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-3220. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core i7-940XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.33 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+55%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,276	2,269
Geekbench 6 Single	503	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220 versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the Core i3-3220 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3220 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core i7-940XM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220) vs true (Core i7-940XM). The Core i3-3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i7-940XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300; Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core i7-940XM
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3220 was priced at $117, while the Core i7-940XM came in at $1096. On launch pricing ($117 vs $1096), Core i3-3220 was $979 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3220 delivers 19.5 pts/$ vs 2.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-940XM — making the Core i3-3220 the 161.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core i7-940XM
MSRP	$117-89%	$1096
Performance per Dollar	19.5+829%	2.1
Release Date	2012	2010

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