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 i3-3240T 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i3-3240T

Pentium G2010

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

126%

Core i3-550

MSRP: $138|Avg: $5

126%

#10

Pentium G2030T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

123%

#11

Athlon II X3 425

MSRP: $79|Avg: $5

123%

#12

Core i5-2400S

MSRP: $135|Avg: $10

123%

#13

Celeron G1830

MSRP: $52|Avg: $5

120%

#14

Core i3-540

MSRP: $133|Avg: $5

120%

#15

Celeron G1610

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

119%

#16

Core i5-2310

MSRP: $177|Avg: $12

118%

#17

Core i3-4130T

MSRP: $124|Avg: $10

111%

#18

Core i5-3340

MSRP: $182|Avg: $15

109%

#19

Pentium G640

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

105%

#20

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

102%

#21

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

101%

#22

Ryzen 7 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $60

100%

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

100%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

98%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

97%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

97%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

97%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

94%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

92%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

92%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

89%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

88%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

88%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

88%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

87%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

86%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

85%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

85%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-3240T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-3240T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3240T 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 GHz from a base frequency of 2.9 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 2,078, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-3240T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.9 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	2,078

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240T fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i3-3240T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3240T 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.

Specification	Core i3-3240T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $8 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-3240T delivers 260 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2551 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3240T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$8
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2551
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	$69
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2551

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	3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.9 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	65 °C