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 i5-4288U 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 i5-4288U: 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 $204 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Delivers 147.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.2 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,650 vs 2,659).

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 19.2 PassMark/$ ($342 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4288U better than Core i3-3250T?

Yes. Core i5-4288U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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 i5-4288U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 i5-4288U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4288U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4288U comes in 147.8% more expensive on MSRP at $342 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3250T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 147.0% better value on paper (19.2 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4288U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i3-3250T vs Core i5-4288U 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 i5-4288U

The Core i5-4288U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 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: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250T and Core i5-4288U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4288U (base: 3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4288U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Core i5-4288U's 2,659 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-4288U. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-4288U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.1 GHz+3%
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)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,650	2,659
Geekbench 6 Single	—	880
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,800

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4288U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-3250T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3250T) vs 12 (Core i5-4288U) — the Core i3-3250T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T) and Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4288U).

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-4288U
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3L 1600 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / true (Core i5-4288U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3250T) and Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4288U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4288U targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-4288U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel Iris Graphics 5100
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true
Target Use	—	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-4288U came in at $342. On launch pricing ($138 vs $342), Core i3-3250T was $204 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 19.2 pts/$ vs 7.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-4288U — making the Core i3-3250T the 84.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-4288U
MSRP	$138-60%	$342
Performance per Dollar	19.2+146%	7.8
Release Date	2013	2013

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