CPU
GPU
Core i5-4288U
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 i5-4288U is positioned at rank 1135 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 i5-4288U
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3250T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4288U | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($342) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4288U | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2172%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($342) | ✅ 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 i5-4288U and Core i3-3250T
Core i5-4288U
The Core i5-4288U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.
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 i5-4288U and Core i3-3250T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4288U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-4288U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-3250T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4288U scores 2,659 against the Core i3-3250T's 2,650 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-4288U. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-4288U | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,659 | 2,650 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 880 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,800 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4288U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3250T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i5-4288U versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3250T — the Core i5-4288U supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4288U) vs 16 (Core i3-3250T) — the Core i3-3250T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4288U) and H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T).
| Feature | Core i5-4288U | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L 1600 MHz | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-4288U) / not specified (Core i3-3250T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4288U) 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 i5-4288U targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i5-4288U | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Iris Graphics 5100 | Intel HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-4288U launched at $342 MSRP, while the Core i3-3250T debuted at $138.
| Feature | Core i5-4288U | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $342 | $138-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $15 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2013 |
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