Ryzen 5 7600X vs Core i3-3240
Ryzen 5 7600X
Core i3-3240
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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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 7600X
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 7600X | Core i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 7600X | Core i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) | ✅ 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 Ryzen 5 7600X and Core i3-3240
Ryzen 5 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 28,325 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i3-3240
The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 7600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i3-3240 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Ryzen 5 7600X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600X versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 — a 43.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 7600X (base: 4.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Ryzen 5 7600X uses the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Core i3-3240 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 7600X scores 28,325 against the Core i3-3240's 2,352 — a 169.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 7600X. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 7600X vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 7600X | Core i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+200% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+56% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.7 GHz+38% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+967% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-77% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 28,325+1104% | 2,352 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 15,300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,900 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,800 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 7600X uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i3-3240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 7600X | Core i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 7600X) / not specified (Core i3-3240). The Ryzen 5 7600X includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 7600X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 7600X rivals Intel Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 7600X | Core i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 7600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Core i3-3240 debuted at $132. At current prices ($178 vs $15), the Core i3-3240 is $163 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 7600X delivers 159.1 pts/$ vs 156.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240 — making the Ryzen 5 7600X the 1.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 7600X | Core i3-3240 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299 | $132-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $178 | $15-92% |
| Performance per Dollar | 159.1+1% | 156.8 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2012 |
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