Core i3-3250T vs A12-9720P
Core i3-3250T
A12-9720P
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-3250T is positioned at rank 811 and the A12-9720P is on rank 1016, so the Core i3-3250T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3250T
Performance Per Dollar A12-9720P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3250T | A12-9720P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3250T | A12-9720P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+68%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
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 i3-3250T and A12-9720P
Core i3-3250T
The Core i3-3250T 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 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,650 points. Launch price was $69.
A12-9720P
The A12-9720P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,622 points. Launch price was $130.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3250T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A12-9720P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A12-9720P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 3.6 GHz on the A12-9720P — a 18.2% clock advantage for the A12-9720P (base: 3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the A12-9720P uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the A12-9720P's 2,622 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-3250T.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | A12-9720P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+11% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 22 nm-21% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 2,650+1% | 2,622 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 529 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A12-9720P uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3250T versus DDR4-1866 on the A12-9720P — the A12-9720P supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3250T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3250T) vs 8 (A12-9720P) — the Core i3-3250T offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | A12-9720P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FP4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-1866+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / AMD-V (A12-9720P). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3250T) and Radeon R7 (A12-9720P) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9720P targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A12-9720P rivals Core i5-7200U.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | A12-9720P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2500 | Radeon R7 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Laptop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3250T launched at $138 MSRP, while the A12-9720P debuted at $200. At current prices ($15 vs $25), the Core i3-3250T is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 176.7 pts/$ vs 104.9 pts/$ for the A12-9720P — making the Core i3-3250T the 51% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | A12-9720P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-31% | $200 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-40% | $25 |
| Performance per Dollar | 176.7+68% | 104.9 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2016 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-3250T and A12-9720P
