Core i3-3250T vs Core i7-4510U

Intel

Core i3-3250T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-4510U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······

Core i3-3250T vs Core i7-4510U Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-3250T vs Core i7-4510U 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 i7-4510U: 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

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $255 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $393 MSRP).
  • Delivers 186.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.2 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $393 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

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

Core i7-4510U

2014

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,634 vs 2,650).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 19.2 PassMark/$ ($393 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
  • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3250T better than Core i7-4510U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4510U is ahead with a 2.6% 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 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-4510U 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 0.6% 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 $255 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $393 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-4510U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 186.5% better value on MSRP (19.2 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4510U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250T vs Core i7-4510U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-4510U

The Core i7-4510U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,634 points. Launch price was $393.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250T and Core i7-4510U 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 i7-4510U — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-4510U (base: 3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4510U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Core i7-4510U's 2,634 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3250T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T vs 4 MB on the Core i7-4510U.

FeatureCore i3-3250TCore i7-4510U
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3 GHz
3.1 GHz+3%
Base Clock
3 GHz+50%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
4 MB+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
2,650
2,634
Geekbench 6 Single
880
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4510U 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 i7-4510U) — the Core i3-3250T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T) and SoC (Core i7-4510U).

FeatureCore i3-3250TCore i7-4510U
Socket
LGA1155
FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+33%
12
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / VT-x, EPT (Core i7-4510U). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3250T) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i7-4510U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4510U targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-4510U rivals A10-7300.

FeatureCore i3-3250TCore i7-4510U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 2500
HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Ultrabook
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250T was priced at $138, while the Core i7-4510U came in at $393. On launch pricing ($138 vs $393), Core i3-3250T was $255 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 19.2 pts/$ vs 6.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-4510U — making the Core i3-3250T the 96.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-3250TCore i7-4510U
MSRP
$138-65%
$393
Performance per Dollar
19.2+187%
6.7
Release Date
2013
2014

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.