Core i7-2640M vs Core i3-3250
Core i7-2640M
Core i3-3250
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 i7-2640M is positioned at rank 1159 and the Core i3-3250 is on rank 846, so the Core i3-3250 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2640M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3250
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2640M | Core i3-3250 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2640M | Core i3-3250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+770%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 i7-2640M and Core i3-3250
Core i7-2640M
The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.
Core i3-3250
The Core i3-3250 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $138.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-2640M and Core i3-3250 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-3250 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-2640M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3250 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2640M scores 2,445 against the Core i3-3250's 2,460 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3250. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250.
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Core i3-3250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.5 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,445 | 2,460 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 563 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,184 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3250 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Core i3-3250 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i7-2640M) / not specified (Core i3-3250). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-3250 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Core i3-3250 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2640M launched at $346 MSRP, while the Core i3-3250 debuted at $138.
| Feature | Core i7-2640M | Core i3-3250 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $346 | $138-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $40 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2013 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-2640M and Core i3-3250
