Core i3-3250 vs Core i5-3210M

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 i5-3210M 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 i5-3210M: 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 $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 62.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,460 vs 2,469).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3210M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3210M

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-3250 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.0 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3250 better than Core i5-3210M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3250 is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3210M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3210M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3250 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3250 comes in $87 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3210M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 62.4% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 11.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250 vs Core i5-3210M 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 i5-3210M

The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250 and Core i5-3210M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-3250 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M — a 12.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-3250 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-3250 scores 2,460 against the Core i5-3210M's 2,469 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-3210M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-3210M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+13%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+40%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,460	2,469
Geekbench 6 Single	—	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,400

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3210M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-3210M
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
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: not specified (Core i3-3250) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M). The Core i5-3210M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-3250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-3210M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250 was priced at $138, while the Core i5-3210M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-3250 was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 11.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-3210M — making the Core i3-3250 the 47.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i5-3210M
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	17.8+62%	11.0
Release Date	2013	2012

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