Core i3-3240T
CPU·Budget

Core i3-3240T

Intel

PassMark

2,078

MSRP

$117

AVG Price

$8

3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
35 Watt
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)

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.

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. The Core i3-3240T is positioned at rank #851 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 i3-3240T

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
17552%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
16584%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
12042%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
3628%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
2873%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
2514%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
1440%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
1421%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
1294%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
1294%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
1279%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
1245%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
1227%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
1222%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
1211%
#851
Core i3-3240T
MSRP: $117|Avg: $8
100%
#852
Athlon II X2 240
MSRP: $60|Avg: $10
99%
#854
Core i5-2500S
MSRP: $192|Avg: $61
99%
#856
Athlon X2 BE-2400
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
99%
#857
Core i3-2102
MSRP: $117|Avg: $15
98%
#858
Pentium G850
MSRP: $86|Avg: $75
98%
#859
Core i5-3475S
MSRP: $249|Avg: $42
98%
#860
Core i7-2600K
MSRP: $317|Avg: $109
97%
#861
Pentium G860
MSRP: $86|Avg: $36
97%
#862
Athlon II X2 245
MSRP: $66|Avg: $15
97%
#863
Core i7-2700K
MSRP: $332|Avg: $45
97%
#865
Core i5-4670K
MSRP: $328|Avg: $200
96%
#866
Core i5-3330S
MSRP: $231|Avg: $30
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

SpecificationCore i3-3240T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designIvy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor94 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,078
🧠

Memory & Platform

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

SpecificationCore i3-3240T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

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.

SpecificationCore i3-3240T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $8 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-3240T delivers 260 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #851 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2551 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#851
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2551
Release DateLaunch date3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i3-3240T

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