Core i3-3250T vs Core i5-4288U
Core i3-3250T
Core i5-4288U
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 Core i5-4288U is on rank 1135, 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 Core i5-4288U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3250T | Core i5-4288U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($342) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3250T | Core i5-4288U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2172%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($342) |
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 Core i5-4288U
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.
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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3250T versus DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i5-4288U — the Core i5-4288U supports 200% 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 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3250T launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i5-4288U debuted at $342.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | Core i5-4288U |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-60% | $342 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | — |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2013 |
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 Core i5-4288U
