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 i3-3250T 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 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: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,650 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 i3-3250T

#63

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

107%

#64

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

106%

#65

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

106%

#66

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

106%

#67

Core i3-2100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $10

105%

#68

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

104%

#69

Core i3-4170T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $17

104%

#70

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

103%

#71

Core i3-6100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $20

103%

#72

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

103%

#73

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

103%

#74

Core i5-4670R

MSRP: $224|Avg: $29

102%

#75

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

101%

#76

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

101%

#77

FX-6330

MSRP: $109|Avg: $25

100%

#78

Core i3-3250T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

100%

#79

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

99%

#80

Core i5-4670S

MSRP: $213|Avg: $30

99%

#81

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

99%

#82

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

99%

#83

Athlon II X3 440

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

99%

#84

Core i3-10100F

MSRP: $88|Avg: $50

99%

#85

Ryzen 5 7400F

MSRP: $150|Avg: $147

98%

#86

Core i5-3350P

MSRP: $189|Avg: $25

98%

#87

Core i3-4160T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $18

97%

#88

Core i7-4785T

MSRP: $306|Avg: $32

97%

#89

Athlon X4 860K

MSRP: $80|Avg: $20

97%

#90

Athlon X4 750K

MSRP: $91|Avg: $17

96%

#91

Pentium G2100T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

96%

#92

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $189

95%

#93

Core i5-2320

MSRP: $177|Avg: $22

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-3250T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3250T 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 3 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 2,650, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-3250T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 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	2,650

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600 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: Intel HD Graphics 2500 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-3250T
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	DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600
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	Intel HD Graphics 2500
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,B75,H77,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-3250T 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 i3-3250T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $138), the Core i3-3250T delivers 177 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2345 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-3250T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$138
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2345
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

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	9 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2345

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	3 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	65 °C