Core i3-3240T vs Core i5-3337U

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 i3-3240T vs Core i5-3337U 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 i3-3240T vs Core i5-3337U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $108 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 90.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,078 vs 2,093).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3337U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3337U

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-3240T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core i5-3337U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240T is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3337U pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3337U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3240T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240T comes in $108 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3337U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 90.9% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3337U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3240T vs Core i5-3337U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3240T

The Core i3-3240T 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-3337U

The Core i5-3337U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3240T and Core i5-3337U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-3337U — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-3240T scores 2,078 against the Core i5-3337U's 2,093 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-3337U. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Core i5-3337U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+11%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+61%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,078	2,093

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3337U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Core i5-3337U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240T) / true (Core i5-3337U). The Core i5-3337U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Core i5-3337U
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3240T was priced at $117, while the Core i5-3337U came in at $225. On launch pricing ($117 vs $225), Core i3-3240T was $108 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240T delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 9.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3337U — making the Core i3-3240T the 62.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Core i5-3337U
MSRP	$117-48%	$225
Performance per Dollar	17.8+91%	9.3
Release Date	2012	2013

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