Core i3-3240 vs Core i3-6102E
Core i3-3240
Core i3-6102E
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-3240 is positioned at rank 847 and the Core i3-6102E is on rank 989, so the Core i3-3240 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6102E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3240 | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3240 | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+134%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3240 and Core i3-6102E
Core i3-3240
The Core i3-3240 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.
Core i3-6102E
The Core i3-6102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-3240 and Core i3-6102E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E — a 56.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240. The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-6102E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Core i3-6102E's 2,349 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3240. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+79% | 1.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 2,352 | 2,349 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E). The Core i3-6102E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6102E targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3240 launched at $132 MSRP, while the Core i3-6102E debuted at $225. At current prices ($15 vs $35), the Core i3-3240 is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240 delivers 156.8 pts/$ vs 67.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-6102E — making the Core i3-3240 the 80.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $132-41% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-57% | $35 |
| Performance per Dollar | 156.8+134% | 67.1 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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