Core i3-3250T vs Xeon E5-2403 v2
Core i3-3250T
Xeon E5-2403 v2
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 Xeon E5-2403 v2 is on rank 747, so the Xeon E5-2403 v2 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 Xeon E5-2403 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3250T | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($61) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3250T | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+303%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($61) |
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 Xeon E5-2403 v2
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.
Xeon E5-2403 v2
The Xeon E5-2403 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,672 points. Launch price was $223.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3250T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2403 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — a 50% clock advantage for the Core i3-3250T (base: 3 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Xeon E5-2403 v2's 2,672 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-2403 v2. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2403 v2.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+67% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+67% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 10 MB (total)+233% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 2,650 | 2,672 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Xeon E5-2403 v2 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-3250T) vs 3 (Xeon E5-2403 v2). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3250T) vs 24 (Xeon E5-2403 v2) — the Xeon E5-2403 v2 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1356 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 384 GB+1100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3250T) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2403 v2). The Core i3-3250T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-2403 v2 targets Server.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2500 | — |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3250T launched at $138 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 debuted at $192. At current prices ($15 vs $61), the Core i3-3250T is $46 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250T delivers 176.7 pts/$ vs 43.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — making the Core i3-3250T the 120.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-3250T | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-28% | $192 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-75% | $61 |
| Performance per Dollar | 176.7+303% | 43.8 |
| 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 Xeon E5-2403 v2
