Core i3-3245 vs Xeon X3360

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 Xeon X3360 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 Xeon X3360: 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 Xeon X3360 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3360 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,424).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while Xeon X3360 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X3360

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 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 Xeon X3360 better than Core i3-3245?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3360 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-3245 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X3360 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.2% 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, Xeon X3360 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X3360 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X3360 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3245 vs Xeon X3360 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.

Xeon X3360

The Xeon X3360 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.83 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Xeon X3360's 2,424 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon X3360. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3360.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Xeon X3360
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+20%	2.83 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
PassMark	2,412	2,424

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X3360 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Xeon X3360
Socket	LGA1155	LGA775
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 (Xeon X3360). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon X3360 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.