Core i3-3245 vs Core m3-7Y30

CPU

GPU

Core i3-3245

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WW2013

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Core m3-7Y30

2 Cores4 Thrd4.5 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2016

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Core i3-3245 vs Core m3-7Y30 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3245

2 / 4

2,412

0.0%

2,418

+0.2%

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 i3-3245 vs Core m3-7Y30 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 m3-7Y30: 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 $161 less on MSRP ($120 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 133.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,418).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1122.2% higher power demand at 55W vs 4.5W.

Core m3-7Y30

2016

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 55W, a 51W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.6 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core m3-7Y30 better than Core i3-3245?

Yes. Core m3-7Y30 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core m3-7Y30 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 m3-7Y30 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 m3-7Y30 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core m3-7Y30 comes in 134.2% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 133.6% better value on paper (20.1 vs 8.6 PassMark/$), 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 m3-7Y30 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), 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 i3-3245 vs Core m3-7Y30 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 m3-7Y30

The Core m3-7Y30 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,418 points. Launch price was $281.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3245 and Core m3-7Y30 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core m3-7Y30 is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Core m3-7Y30's 2,418 — a 0.2% lead for the Core m3-7Y30. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 4 MB on the Core m3-7Y30.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core m3-7Y30
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	—	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+240%	1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	—	512 kB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	—	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,412	2,418
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	645
Geekbench 6 Single	—	768
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,481

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m3-7Y30 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 versus LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600 on the Core m3-7Y30 — the Core m3-7Y30 supports 16.6% 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3245) vs 10 (Core m3-7Y30) — the Core i3-3245 offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core m3-7Y30
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600+17%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+60%	10

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3245) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core m3-7Y30). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) and Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core m3-7Y30) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop, Core m3-7Y30 targets Ultra-portable.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core m3-7Y30
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics 615
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Ultra-portable

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3245 was priced at $120, while the Core m3-7Y30 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($120 vs $281), Core i3-3245 was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3245 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 8.6 pts/$ for the Core m3-7Y30 — making the Core i3-3245 the 80.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core m3-7Y30
MSRP	$120-57%	$281
Performance per Dollar	20.1+134%	8.6
Release Date	2013	2016

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