Core i3-7320 vs N250

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 i3-7320 vs N250 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 i3-7320 vs N250: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7320

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while N250 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike N250.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $99 MSRP, while N250 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while N250 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

N250

2025

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,773 vs 4,831).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7320 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-7320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7320 better than N250?

Yes. Core i3-7320 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-7320 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.0% 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 i3-7320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7320 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7320 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $99 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (48.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

N250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-7320 vs N250 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7320

The Core i3-7320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,831 points. Launch price was $157.

N250

The N250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 4,773 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7320 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the N250 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the N250 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-7320 versus 3.8 GHz on the N250 — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-7320. The Core i3-7320 is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-7320 scores 4,831 against the N250's 4,773 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-7320. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7320 vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N250.

Feature	Core i3-7320	N250
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+8%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	4.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	—
PassMark	4,831+1%	4,773
Geekbench 6 Single	1,388	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7320 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the N250 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7320	N250
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7320) / not specified (N250). The Core i3-7320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the N250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7320 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7320 rivals Ryzen 3 1300X.