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 i3-3245 vs Core i7-2620M 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 i3-3245 vs Core i7-2620M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $226 less on MSRP ($120 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 186.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,424).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Core i7-2620M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2620M better than Core i3-3245?

Yes. Core i7-2620M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-2620M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2620M comes in 188.3% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 186.9% better value on paper (20.1 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3245 vs Core i7-2620M Technical Specifications

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

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.

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.

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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.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core 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

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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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2620M — the Core i3-3245 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3245 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i7-2620M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core 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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3245 was priced at $120, while the Core i7-2620M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($120 vs $346), Core i3-3245 was $226 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3245 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 7.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-2620M — making the Core i3-3245 the 96.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i7-2620M
MSRP	$120-65%	$346
Performance per Dollar	20.1+187%	7.0
Release Date	2013	2011

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