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.

Overview

The Core i3-3210 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (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: 2,229 points. Launch price was $120.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-3210 is positioned at rank #814 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3210

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

16363%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

15461%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

11226%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3382%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2679%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2344%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1342%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1325%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1206%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1206%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1193%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1160%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1144%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1140%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1129%

#814

Core i3-3210

MSRP: $117|Avg: $25

100%

#815

Celeron G3900E

MSRP: $107|Avg: $35

100%

#816

Athlon II X3 435

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

99%

#817

Core i7-6822EQ

MSRP: $294|Avg: $190

99%

#818

Athlon II X4 645

MSRP: $126|Avg: $20

99%

#819

Core i5-7400

MSRP: $294|Avg: $70

98%

#820

Pentium E5800

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

98%

#821

Core i7-6820EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $344

98%

#822

A6-9500

MSRP: $101|Avg: $25

97%

#823

Pentium G2120T

MSRP: $87|Avg: $10

97%

#824

Athlon II X2 270

MSRP: $72|Avg: $15

97%

#826

Core i7-6850K

MSRP: $617|Avg: $80

97%

#827

Core i5-2500K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

97%

#828

Pentium G3430

MSRP: $116|Avg: $30

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-3210 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-3210 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3210 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 3072 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,229, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 505, while multi-core reaches 1,113.

Specification	Core i3-3210
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3072 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	94 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,229
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	505
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,113

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3210 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 2500 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-3210
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 2500
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	B75,H77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-3210 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 1200.

Specification	Core i3-3210
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 3 1200

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3210 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 55 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i3-3210
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	55 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $25 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-3210 delivers 89 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #814 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2500 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3210
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$25
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$120
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#814
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2500
Release DateLaunch date	1 January 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel