Core i3-3245 vs Phenom II X4 840T

CPU

GPU

Core i3-3245

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WW2013

Similar parts

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Phenom II X4 840T

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010

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Core i3-3245 vs Phenom II X4 840T Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3245

2 / 4

2,412

+1.9%

2,367

0.0%

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 i3-3245 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 i3-3245 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 i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 55W instead of 95W, a 40W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom II X4 840T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 840T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 840T

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-3245 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,367 vs 2,412).
❌72.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3245 better than Phenom II X4 840T?

Yes. Core i3-3245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.9% 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 i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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 i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3245 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3245 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $120 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3245 vs Phenom II X4 840T 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.

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 i3-3245 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. The Phenom II X4 840T is built on the Zosma (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Phenom II X4 840T's 2,367 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 840T.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Phenom II X4 840T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	—	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	—	512 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	—	Zosma (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,412+2%	2,367

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 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.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Phenom II X4 840T
Socket	LGA1155	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-3245) / not specified (Phenom II X4 840T). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X4 840T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.