CPU
GPU
N250
Core i3-7320
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 N250 is positioned at rank 133 and the Core i3-7320 is on rank 434, so the N250 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar N250
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7320
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | N250 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | N250 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 N250 and Core i3-7320
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.
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.
Processing Power
The N250 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7320 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the N250 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the N250 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-7320 — 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 N250 scores 4,773 against the Core i3-7320's 4,831 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-7320. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N250 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7320.
| Feature | N250 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.1 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | — | 4.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,773 | 4,831+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,388 |
Memory & Platform
The N250 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-7320 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | N250 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (N250) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7320). 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.
| Feature | N250 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Desktop |
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