Core i3-3250T vs Core i5-3320M

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 i3-3250T vs Core i5-3320M 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 i3-3250T vs Core i5-3320M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3250T

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 62.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.2 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,650 vs 2,660).

Core i5-3320M

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 19.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3320M better than Core i3-3250T?

Yes. Core i5-3320M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3320M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 i5-3320M 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 i5-3320M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3320M comes in 63.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3250T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 62.4% better value on paper (19.2 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3250T 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 i3-3250T vs Core i5-3320M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-3320M

The Core i5-3320M 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,660 points. Launch price was $225.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250T and Core i5-3320M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Core i5-3320M's 2,660 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-3320M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-3320M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
Base Clock	3 GHz+15%	2.6 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	2,650	2,660

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3320M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3320M).

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-3320M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / true (Core i5-3320M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3250T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3320M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-3320M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-3320M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-3250T was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 19.2 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-3320M — making the Core i3-3250T the 47.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-3320M
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	19.2+63%	11.8
Release Date	2013	2012

Search Core i3-3250T on Amazon

Search Core i5-3320M on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.