CPU
GPU
Core i3-3245
Popular choices:
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
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. The Core i3-3245 is positioned at rank #794 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3245
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3245 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3245 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+166%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) |
Performance Check
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 Ryzen 9 7950X3D
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.
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,323 points. Launch price was $699.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3245 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 14 more cores. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is built on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Ryzen 9 7950X3D's 62,323 — a 185.1% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
| Feature | Core i3-3245 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 16 / 32+700% |
| Boost Clock | — | 5.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.2 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 128 MB (total)+4167% |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-77% |
| Architecture | — | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 2,412 | 62,323+2484% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 38,581 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,926 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 19,643 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3245) vs 28 (Ryzen 9 7950X3D) — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-3245 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR5-5200+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 28+75% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 9 7950X3D supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3245) vs true (Ryzen 9 7950X3D). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) and Radeon Graphics (Ryzen 9 7950X3D) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7950X3D rivals Core i9-13900K.
| Feature | Core i3-3245 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3245 launched at $120 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D debuted at $699. At current prices ($50 vs $486), the Core i3-3245 is $436 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3245 delivers 48.2 pts/$ vs 128.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D — making the Ryzen 9 7950X3D the 90.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-3245 | Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $120-83% | $699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-90% | $486 |
| Performance per Dollar | 48.2 | 128.2+166% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2023 |
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