Core i3-350M vs Phenom X3 8250e

Core i3-350M vs Phenom X3 8250e Performance Spectrum

Core i3-350M

2 / 4

1,088

+0.4%

1,084

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i3-350M vs Phenom X3 8250e 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 i3-350M vs Phenom X3 8250e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Phenom X3 8250e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $130 MSRP, while Phenom X3 8250e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom X3 8250e

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,084 vs 1,088).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-350M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-350M better than Phenom X3 8250e?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom X3 8250e is ahead with 603.7% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-350M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i3-350M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-350M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-350M is the better buy right now. Core i3-350M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $130 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Phenom X3 8250e is still the better pure gaming CPU with 603.7% higher max boost clock. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-350M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 3/3. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-350M vs Phenom X3 8250e Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

Phenom X3 8250e

The Phenom X3 8250e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,084 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-350M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X3 8250e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8250e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M versus 1.9 GHz on the Phenom X3 8250e — a 150.2% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8250e. The Core i3-350M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8250e uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-350M scores 1,088 against the Phenom X3 8250e's 1,084 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-350M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8250e.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Phenom X3 8250e
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	0.27 GHz	1.9 GHz+604%
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Toliman (2008)
PassMark	1,088	1,084
Geekbench 6 Single	280	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-350M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8250e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Phenom X3 8250e
Socket	PGA988	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M) / not specified (Phenom X3 8250e). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Phenom X3 8250e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.