Core i3-3225 vs Turion II Ultra M660

Core i3-3225 vs Turion II Ultra M660 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3225

2 / 4

2,276

0.0%

Celeron 847

Core i3-530

Pentium Dual Core T2390

2,278

+0.1%

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 i3-3225 vs Turion II Ultra M660 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 i3-3225 vs Turion II Ultra M660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3225

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Turion II Ultra M660 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Turion II Ultra M660.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,276 vs 2,278).
❌Launch MSRP is still $172 MSRP, while Turion II Ultra M660 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2650% higher power demand at 55W vs 2W.

Turion II Ultra M660

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3225 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3225.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3225 better than Turion II Ultra M660?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3225 is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion II Ultra M660 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, Turion II Ultra M660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i3-3225 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3225 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $172 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Turion II Ultra M660 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3225 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3225 vs Turion II Ultra M660 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3225

The Core i3-3225 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 $264.

Turion II Ultra M660

The Turion II Ultra M660 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 2,278 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3225 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II Ultra M660's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3225 versus 2.7 GHz on the Turion II Ultra M660 — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-3225. The Core i3-3225 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion II Ultra M660 uses Caspian (2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3225 scores 2,276 against the Turion II Ultra M660's 2,278 — a 0.1% lead for the Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i3-3225	Turion II Ultra M660
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+22%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Caspian (2009)
PassMark	2,276	2,278
Geekbench 6 Single	558	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,142	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3225 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Turion II Ultra M660 uses S1g3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3225 versus DDR2-800 on the Turion II Ultra M660 — the Core i3-3225 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3225 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3225) vs 0 (Turion II Ultra M660) — the Core i3-3225 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-3225	Turion II Ultra M660
Socket	LGA1155	S1g3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+100%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 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 i3-3225) vs AMD-V (Turion II Ultra M660). The Core i3-3225 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Turion II Ultra M660 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3225 targets Budget, Turion II Ultra M660 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i3-3225 rivals Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W).