Core i3-3245 vs Phenom II X4 B95

Intel

Core i3-3245

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WW2013
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 B95

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······

Core i3-3245 vs Phenom II X4 B95 Performance Spectrum

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 B95 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 B95: 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

  • 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 B95 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,427).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 B95 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 B95

2009

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • 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 Phenom II X4 B95 better than Core i3-3245?
Yes. Phenom II X4 B95 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 B95 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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, Phenom II X4 B95 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X4 B95 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X4 B95 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3245 vs Phenom II X4 B95 Technical Specifications

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

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.

AMD

Phenom II X4 B95

The Phenom II X4 B95 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,427 points. Launch price was $80.

Processing Power

The Core i3-3245 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 B95 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 B95 has 2 more cores. The Phenom II X4 B95 is built on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Phenom II X4 B95's 2,427 — a 0.6% lead for the Phenom II X4 B95. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B95.

FeatureCore i3-3245Phenom II X4 B95
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+13%
3 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
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,412
2,427
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 B95 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-3245Phenom II X4 B95
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
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-3245) / not specified (Phenom II X4 B95). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X4 B95 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i3-3245Phenom II X4 B95
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Desktop