Core i5-760 vs Core i3-3250T
Core i5-760
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 i5-760 is positioned at rank 973 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 i5-760
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3250T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-760 | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($61) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-760 | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+304%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($61) | ✅ 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 i5-760 and Core i3-3250T
Core i5-760
The Core i5-760 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 July 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,667 points. Launch price was $230.
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
The Core i5-760 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3250T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-760 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-760 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T — a 10.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-760 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-760 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3250T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-760 scores 2,667 against the Core i3-3250T's 2,650 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-760. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-760 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T.
| Feature | Core i5-760 | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.33 GHz+11% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3 GHz+7% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,667 | 2,650 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 470 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-760 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3250T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 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: P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i5-760) and H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Core i3-3250T).
| Feature | Core i5-760 | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 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 i5-760) / not specified (Core i3-3250T). The Core i3-3250T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), while the Core i5-760 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-760 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-760 rivals Phenom II X4 970.
| Feature | Core i5-760 | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-760 launched at $230 MSRP, while the Core i3-3250T debuted at $138. At current prices ($61 vs $15), the Core i3-3250T is $46 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-760 delivers 43.7 pts/$ vs 176.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-3250T — making the Core i3-3250T the 120.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-760 | Core i3-3250T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $230 | $138-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $61 | $15-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 43.7 | 176.7+304% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2013 |
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