Core i3-3220 vs Pentium 4417U

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 Pentium 4417U 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 Pentium 4417U: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Pentium 4417U needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium 4417U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Pentium 4417U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 4417U

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,260 vs 2,276).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌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 Pentium 4417U?

Yes. Core i3-3220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i3-3220 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 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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 at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium 4417U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220 vs Pentium 4417U 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.

Pentium 4417U

The Pentium 4417U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB SmartCache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,260 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3220 and Pentium 4417U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i3-3220 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium 4417U uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220 scores 2,276 against the Pentium 4417U's 2,260 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3220. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220 vs 2 MB SmartCache on the Pentium 4417U.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Pentium 4417U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+43%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB SmartCache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	2,276	2,260
Geekbench 6 Single	503	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium 4417U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Pentium 4417U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220) / not specified (Pentium 4417U). The Core i3-3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Pentium 4417U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300.