Core i3-3220T vs Ryzen 7 5700X

Intel

Core i3-3220T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 5700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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Core i3-3220T vs Ryzen 7 5700X Performance Spectrum

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 Ryzen 7 5700X 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 Ryzen 7 5700X: 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

  • Costs $150 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Ryzen 7 5700X needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 7 5700X.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 5700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,953 vs 26,609).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 89.0 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 7 5700X

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +425.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Delivers 579.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 89.0 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 100.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $299 MSRPvs$149 MSRP
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W 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 Ryzen 7 5700X better than Core i3-3220T?
Yes. Ryzen 7 5700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 425.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1262.5% 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, Ryzen 7 5700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 425.0% 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, Ryzen 7 5700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1262.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 5700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 5700X comes in 100.7% more expensive on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 425.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 579.0% better value on MSRP (89.0 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 5700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2012), 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3220T vs Ryzen 7 5700X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 5700X

The Ryzen 7 5700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 26,609 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i3-3220T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 5700X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700X — a 48.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5700X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 7 5700X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Ryzen 7 5700X's 26,609 — a 172.6% lead for the Ryzen 7 5700X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 465 vs 2,116, a 127.9% lead for the Ryzen 7 5700X that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 5700X.

FeatureCore i3-3220TRyzen 7 5700X
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
8 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
4.6 GHz+64%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3.4 GHz+21%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+967%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm
7 nm-68%
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
1,953
26,609+1262%
Cinebench R23 Multi
14,000
Geekbench 6 Single
465
2,116+355%
Geekbench 6 Multi
9,715
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 5700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220T versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 5700X — the Ryzen 7 5700X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 5700X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3220T) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 5700X) — the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220T) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 7 5700X).

FeatureCore i3-3220TRyzen 7 5700X
Socket
LGA1155
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 7 5700X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5700X). The Core i3-3220T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Ryzen 7 5700X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop, Ryzen 7 5700X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500; Ryzen 7 5700X rivals Core i7-11700K.

FeatureCore i3-3220TRyzen 7 5700X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
AMD-V
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3220T was priced at $149, while the Ryzen 7 5700X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($149 vs $299), Core i3-3220T was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3220T delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 89.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 5700X — making the Ryzen 7 5700X the 148.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-3220TRyzen 7 5700X
MSRP
$149-50%
$299
Performance per Dollar
13.1
89.0+579%
Release Date
2012
2022

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