Core i3-3240 vs Phenom II X4 840T

Core i3-3240 vs Phenom II X4 840T Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3240

2 / 4

2,352

0.0%

2,367

+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 i3-3240 vs Phenom II X4 840T 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 i3-3240 vs Phenom II X4 840T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 95W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,352 vs 2,367).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 840T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 840T

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌72.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 55W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Phenom II X4 840T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 840T pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Phenom II X4 840T also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 840T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-3240 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom II X4 840T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3240 vs Phenom II X4 840T Technical Specifications

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

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.

Phenom II X4 840T

The Phenom II X4 840T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Zosma (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $80.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3240 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 840T offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 840T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 840T — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 840T uses Zosma (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Phenom II X4 840T's 2,367 — a 0.6% lead for the Phenom II X4 840T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 840T.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Phenom II X4 840T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Zosma (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,352	2,367

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 840T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.