Core i3-3245
VS
Core i7-2620M

Core i3-3245 vs Core i7-2620M

Intel

Core i3-3245

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WW2013
VS
Intel

Core i7-2620M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011

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 i3-3245 is positioned at rank 794 and the Core i7-2620M is on rank 1162, so the Core i3-3245 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3245

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
15508%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
14654%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
10640%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
3205%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
2539%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
2221%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
1272%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
1256%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
1143%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
1143%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
1130%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
1100%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
1084%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
1080%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
1070%
#294
Core i9-7920X
MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236
98%
#394
Ryzen 3 2200GE
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
98%
#794
Core i3-3245
MSRP: $120|Avg: $50
100%
#796
FX-4170
MSRP: $157|Avg: $23
99%
#798
Athlon II X3 415e
MSRP: $75|Avg: $15
98%
#799
Core i5-2300
MSRP: $177|Avg: $17
98%
#800
Core i7-4820K
MSRP: $332|Avg: $40
98%
#802
Core i7-3770K
MSRP: $332|Avg: $75
97%
#803
Core i5-4460T
MSRP: $187|Avg: $30
97%
#804
Core i3-3220
MSRP: $117|Avg: $88
97%
#805
Core i7-3770T
MSRP: $278|Avg: $105
97%
#807
Pentium G645T
MSRP: $64|Avg: $15
96%
#808
Pentium G620
MSRP: $64|Avg: $12
96%
#809
Core i5-7442EQ
MSRP: $250|Avg: $50
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2620M

#1149
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
4185%
#1150
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
4124%
#1151
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
3786%
#1152
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
3769%
#1153
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
3734%
#1155
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
3606%
#1156
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
3458%
#1157
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
3452%
#1158
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
3359%
#1162
Core i7-2620M
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
100%
#1163
Celeron N3010
MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A
98%
#1164
Core i7-3537U
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
97%
#1165
Core M-5Y10a
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
97%
#1166
Core M-5Y10c
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
97%
#1167
Core M-5Y31
MSRP: $281|Avg: $30
97%
#1169
Celeron 1047UE
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
96%
#1170
Core M-5Y70
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
96%
#1171
Celeron U3400
MSRP: $86|Avg: $5
95%
#1172
Celeron T1600
MSRP: $107|Avg: $15
95%
#1173
Pro A12-8800B
MSRP: $400|Avg: $40
95%
#1175
Core i7-2637M
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
93%
#1176
Core 2 Duo SL9600
MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core i7-2620M delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i3-3245 in both compute-intensive tasks (0.5% faster) and gaming workloads.
InsightCore i3-3245Core i7-2620M
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
More affordable ($50)
⚠️ Higher cost ($346)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Value Proposition: While both processors are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Core i3-3245 holds the technical lead in efficiency. Priced at $50 (vs $346), it costs 86% less. While offering basic entry-level performance, it results in a 589% higher cost efficiency score compared to the Core i7-2620M.
InsightCore i3-3245Core i7-2620M
Cost Efficiency
Better overall value (+589%)
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($50)
⚠️ Higher cost ($346)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i3-3245 and Core i7-2620M

Intel

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i7-2620M

The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3245 and Core i7-2620M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i7-2620M is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Core i7-2620M's 2,424 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-2620M. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2620M.

FeatureCore i3-3245Core i7-2620M
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+26%
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
4 MB+33%
L2 Cache
512 kB
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
2,412
2,424
Geekbench 6 Single
509
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,222
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-3245 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i3-3245Core i7-2620M
Socket
LGA1155
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3245) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) and HD 3000 (Core i7-2620M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop, Core i7-2620M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.

FeatureCore i3-3245Core i7-2620M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
HD 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

The Core i3-3245 launched at $120 MSRP, while the Core i7-2620M debuted at $346.

FeatureCore i3-3245Core i7-2620M
MSRP
$120-65%
$346
Avg Price (30d)
$50
Release Date
2013
2011