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Overview

The Core i3-3220T 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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. Passmark benchmark score: 1,953 points. Launch price was $201.

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.

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 i3-3220T

#942

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

112%

#943

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

110%

#944

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

109%

#945

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

108%

#946

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

108%

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

107%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

107%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

107%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

106%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

106%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

105%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

103%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

102%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

102%

#956

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

101%

#957

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

100%

#958

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

100%

#959

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

98%

#960

Phenom II X3 710

MSRP: $125|Avg: N/A

96%

#961

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

94%

#962

Core i3-2100T

MSRP: $127|Avg: $127

90%

#963

Athlon XP 1900+

MSRP: $269|Avg: $20

89%

#964

Core 2 Duo E7300

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

87%

#965

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

MSRP: $999|Avg: $100

87%

#966

Phenom II X4 810

MSRP: $175|Avg: N/A

87%

#967

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

85%

#968

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

85%

#969

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

85%

#970

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

85%

#971

Athlon XP 3200+

MSRP: $464|Avg: $40

83%

#972

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

82%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-3220T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-3220T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3220T 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 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, 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 1,953, 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 465.

Specification	Core i3-3220T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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	3 MB (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	1,953
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	465

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T 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). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 2500 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-3220T
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	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 2500
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-3220T is primarily designed for Low Power Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the A8-5500.

Specification	Core i3-3220T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Low Power Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	A8-5500

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3220T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i3-3220T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $146 (MSRP: $149), the Core i3-3220T delivers 13 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2604 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3220T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$149
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$146
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$201
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2604
Release DateLaunch date	3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$201
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2604

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	94 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	2.8 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	65 °C