Core i3-3250T vs Ryzen 7 5700X

Intel

Core i3-3250T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 5700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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Core i3-3250T vs Ryzen 7 5700X 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 Ryzen 7 5700X 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 Ryzen 7 5700X: 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 $161 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2500, while Ryzen 7 5700X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 5700X across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,650 vs 26,609).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.2 vs 89.0 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 7 5700X

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +312.2% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Delivers 363.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 89.0 vs 19.2 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 116.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $299 MSRPvs$138 MSRP
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3250T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 5700X better than Core i3-3250T?
Yes. Ryzen 7 5700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 312.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 904.1% 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, Ryzen 7 5700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 312.2% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 5700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 904.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 5700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 5700X comes in 116.7% more expensive on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 312.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 363.4% better value on MSRP (89.0 vs 19.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 5700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2013), 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 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 Ryzen 7 5700X 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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 5700X

The Ryzen 7 5700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 26,609 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i3-3250T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 5700X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5700X — a 42.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5700X (base: 3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 7 5700X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Ryzen 7 5700X's 26,609 — a 163.8% lead for the Ryzen 7 5700X. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 5700X.

FeatureCore i3-3250TRyzen 7 5700X
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
8 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
3 GHz
4.6 GHz+53%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+967%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm
7 nm-68%
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
2,650
26,609+904%
Cinebench R23 Multi
14,000
Geekbench 6 Single
2,116
Geekbench 6 Multi
9,715
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 5700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3250T versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 5700X — the Ryzen 7 5700X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 5700X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3250T) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 5700X) — the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 7 5700X).

FeatureCore i3-3250TRyzen 7 5700X
Socket
LGA1155
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5700X). The Core i3-3250T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Ryzen 7 5700X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 5700X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 5700X rivals Core i7-11700K.

FeatureCore i3-3250TRyzen 7 5700X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250T was priced at $138, while the Ryzen 7 5700X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($138 vs $299), Core i3-3250T was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 19.2 pts/$ vs 89.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 5700X — making the Ryzen 7 5700X the 129% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-3250TRyzen 7 5700X
MSRP
$138-54%
$299
Performance per Dollar
19.2
89.0+364%
Release Date
2013
2022

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