Core i3-3220T vs Phenom X4 9850B

Core i3-3220T vs Phenom X4 9850B Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3220T

2 / 4

1,953

+0.4%

1,946

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i3-3220T vs Phenom X4 9850B 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 Phenom X4 9850B: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Phenom X4 9850B needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Phenom X4 9850B.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Phenom X4 9850B mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom X4 9850B

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,946 vs 1,953).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220T better than Phenom X4 9850B?

Yes. Core i3-3220T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3220T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 i3-3220T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% 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 i3-3220T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3220T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3220T vs Phenom X4 9850B 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.

Phenom X4 9850B

The Phenom X4 9850B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,946 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3220T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9850B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9850B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom X4 9850B — a 11.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T. The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9850B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Phenom X4 9850B's 1,946 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-3220T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9850B.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Phenom X4 9850B
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+12%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,953	1,946
Geekbench 6 Single	465	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9850B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Phenom X4 9850B
Socket	LGA1155	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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 i3-3220T) / not specified (Phenom X4 9850B). The Core i3-3220T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Phenom X4 9850B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500.