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 i3-3220T vs Core i5-2410M 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 i3-3220T vs Core i5-2410M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3220T

2012

Why buy it

✅+4.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.1 vs 8.7 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-2410M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,953 vs 1,954).

Core i5-2410M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (444 vs 465).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.7 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220T better than Core i5-2410M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3220T is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2410M pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2410M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3220T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220T comes in $76 cheaper on MSRP at $149 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2410M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 50.9% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 8.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3220T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220T vs Core i5-2410M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220T

The Core i3-3220T 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,953 points. Launch price was $201.

Core i5-2410M

The Core i5-2410M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 1,954 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3220T and Core i5-2410M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2410M — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2410M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2410M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Core i5-2410M's 1,954 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2410M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 465 vs 444, a 4.6% lead for the Core i3-3220T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-2410M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.9 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+22%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,953	1,954
Geekbench 6 Single	465+5%	444
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	913

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2410M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220T versus 1333 on the Core i5-2410M — the Core i3-3220T supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3220T 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220T) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2410M).

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-2410M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) vs true (Core i5-2410M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3220T) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2410M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500; Core i5-2410M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-2410M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3220T was priced at $149, while the Core i5-2410M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($149 vs $225), Core i3-3220T was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3220T delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 8.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-2410M — making the Core i3-3220T the 40.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i5-2410M
MSRP	$149-34%	$225
Performance per Dollar	13.1+51%	8.7
Release Date	2012	2011

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