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 i5-760 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 i5-760: 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 $92 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $230 MSRP).
✅Delivers 65.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.2 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $230 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2500, while Core i5-760 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,650 vs 2,667).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-760.

Core i5-760

2010

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3250T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.6 vs 19.2 PassMark/$ ($230 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3250T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-760 better than Core i3-3250T?

Yes. Core i5-760 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-760 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i5-760 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i5-760 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-760 comes in 66.7% more expensive on MSRP at $230 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3250T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 65.6% better value on paper (19.2 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), 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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250T vs Core i5-760 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 i5-760

The Core i5-760 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 July 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,667 points. Launch price was $230.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3250T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-760 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-760 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-760 — a 10.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-760 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-760 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Core i5-760's 2,667 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-760. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-760.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-760
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.33 GHz+11%
Base Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,650	2,667
Geekbench 6 Single	—	470

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-760 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 i5-760 — 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. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i5-760).

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-760
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, EPT (Core i5-760). The Core i3-3250T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-760 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-760 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-760 rivals Phenom II X4 970.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-760
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2500	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-760 came in at $230. On launch pricing ($138 vs $230), Core i3-3250T was $92 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 19.2 pts/$ vs 11.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-760 — making the Core i3-3250T the 49.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i5-760
MSRP	$138-40%	$230
Performance per Dollar	19.2+66%	11.6
Release Date	2013	2010

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