CPU
GPU
Core i5-3610ME
Core i3-3250T
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 i5-3610ME is positioned at rank 1089 and the Core i3-3250T is on rank 811, so the Core i3-3250T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3610ME
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3250T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3610ME | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3610ME | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+47%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($22) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 i5-3610ME and Core i3-3250T
Core i5-3610ME
The Core i5-3610ME is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,652 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3610ME and Core i3-3250T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3610ME (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3610ME scores 2,652 against the Core i3-3250T's 2,650 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3610ME. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+10% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,652 | 2,650 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 585 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3610ME uses the G2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3250T uses LGA1155 (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 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME) and H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T).
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G2 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3610ME) / not specified (Core i3-3250T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3610ME) and Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3250T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | Intel HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3610ME launched at $276 MSRP, while the Core i3-3250T debuted at $138. At current prices ($22 vs $15), the Core i3-3250T is $7 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3610ME delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 176.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-3250T — making the Core i3-3250T the 37.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3610ME | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $276 | $138-50% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $22 | $15-32% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 176.7+47% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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