Core i3-3250 vs Core i5-2390T

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 i3-3250 vs Core i5-2390T 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 i3-3250 vs Core i5-2390T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3250

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,460 vs 2,491).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2390T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i3-3250 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3250.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.7 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2390T better than Core i3-3250?

Yes. Core i5-2390T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2390T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2390T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2390T comes in 31.9% more expensive on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3250 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 30.2% better value on paper (17.8 vs 13.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250 vs Core i5-2390T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3250

The Core i3-3250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $138.

Core i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250 and Core i5-2390T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-3250 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-3250 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2390T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250 scores 2,460 against the Core i5-2390T's 2,491 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-2390T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-2390T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+30%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,460	2,491+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	614

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-2390T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T). The Core i5-2390T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i3-3250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-2390T
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Legacy Low Power Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250 was priced at $138, while the Core i5-2390T came in at $182. On launch pricing ($138 vs $182), Core i3-3250 was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 13.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-2390T — making the Core i3-3250 the 26.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-2390T
MSRP	$138-24%	$182
Performance per Dollar	17.8+30%	13.7
Release Date	2013	2011

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