Core i3-3250 vs Core i7-2640M

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 i7-2640M 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 i7-2640M: 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

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $208 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 152.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅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 Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-3250 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-3250 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,445 vs 2,460).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3250 better than Core i7-2640M?

Yes. Core i3-3250 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3250 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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, Core i3-3250 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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 $208 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 152.3% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3250 vs Core i7-2640M 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 i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250 and Core i7-2640M 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 i7-2640M — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-3250 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2640M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250 scores 2,460 against the Core i7-2640M's 2,445 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3250. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i7-2640M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+25%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,460	2,445
Geekbench 6 Single	—	563
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,184

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i7-2640M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250) / true (Core i7-2640M). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-3250 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i7-2640M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250 was priced at $138, while the Core i7-2640M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($138 vs $346), Core i3-3250 was $208 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-2640M — making the Core i3-3250 the 86.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Core i7-2640M
MSRP	$138-60%	$346
Performance per Dollar	17.8+151%	7.1
Release Date	2013	2011

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