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 i5-680 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 i5-680: 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

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $156 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 115.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.2 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,620 vs 2,650).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 19.2 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3250T better than Core i5-680?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-680 is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3250T pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i5-680 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3250T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3250T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3250T comes in $156 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-680 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 115.5% better value on MSRP (19.2 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3250T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) 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 i3-3250T vs Core i5-680 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 i5-680

The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250T and Core i5-680 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 25.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-3250T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.86 GHz+29%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.6 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,650+1%	2,620

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3250T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the Core i3-3250T supports 20% 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 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-680
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3250T) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-680
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2500	HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-680 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($138 vs $294), Core i3-3250T was $156 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 19.2 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-680 — making the Core i3-3250T the 73.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-680
MSRP	$138-53%	$294
Performance per Dollar	19.2+116%	8.9
Release Date	2013	2010

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