Core i3-3220T vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

Core i3-3220T vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3220T

2 / 4

1,953

0.0%

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2 / 2

1,965

+0.6%

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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,953 vs 1,965).
❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3220T is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 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 at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220T vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Griffin (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,965 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3220T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 2.4 GHz on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T. The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses Griffin (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86's 1,965 — a 0.6% lead for the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 0 kB on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+17%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Griffin (2008−2009)
PassMark	1,953	1,965
Geekbench 6 Single	465	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses S1g2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220T versus DDR2-800 on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 — the Core i3-3220T supports 100% 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 4 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3220T) vs 0 (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86) — the Core i3-3220T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Socket	LGA1155	S1g2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+100%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+700%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) vs AMD-V (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86). The Core i3-3220T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500.