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 i3-3250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 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: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $138.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-3250 is positioned at rank #846 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 i3-3250

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

17483%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

16519%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

11994%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3613%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2862%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2504%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1434%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1415%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1289%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1289%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1274%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1240%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1222%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1218%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1207%

#846

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

100%

#847

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

100%

#848

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

100%

#849

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

100%

#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%

#855

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

98%

#857

Pentium G850

MSRP: $86|Avg: $75

97%

#858

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

97%

#859

Core i5-3475S

MSRP: $249|Avg: $42

97%

#860

Core i7-2600K

MSRP: $317|Avg: $109

97%

#861

Pentium G860

MSRP: $86|Avg: $36

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-3250 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-3250 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3250 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 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 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 2,460, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-3250
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 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	2,460

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600 memory.

Specification	Core i3-3250
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	DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3250 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.

Specification	Core i3-3250
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	55 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $138), the Core i3-3250 delivers 62 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #846 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2403 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3250
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$138
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$138
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#846
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2403
Release DateLaunch date	9 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel