AMD Phenom II X4 B97 vs Intel Core i3-3240 Comparison
AMD Phenom II X4 B97
Core i3-3240
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: AMD Phenom II X4 B97 vs Intel Core i3-3240
The Verdict
The benchmark data presents a clear, though not overwhelming, winner. The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 wins every recorded head-to-head benchmark, taking all 5 comparisons against the Intel Core i3-3240. The deltas are consistent, ranging from 6.9% to 7.2% in favor of the AMD part. For workloads that rely on raw multi-threaded or single-threaded performance, the data points to the Phenom II X4 B97 as the stronger choice.
However, the Intel Core i3-3240 is not without its own merits. While it loses all benchmark comparisons, it does so by a narrow margin. The average benchmark score for the i3-3240 is 761, which is actually higher than the Phenom II X4 B97's average score of 741. This discrepancy is due to the i3-3240 having an additional Geekbench score in its profile, which is not present for the AMD chip. The i3-3240 should be selected by users who prioritize the features on its platform, such as PCIe Gen 3 and a smaller process node. The Phenom II X4 B97 is the choice for those who want the top recorded performance in this specific matchup.
Architecture Differences
The two processors represent fundamentally different design philosophies from their respective generations. The Intel Core i3-3240 is based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, built on a 22 nm process by Intel. It features 2 physical cores with hyper-threading, providing 4 threads. Its cache layout includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 3 MB of shared L3 cache. The chip has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 55 watts. It is designed for the Intel Socket 1155 and has a die size of 94 mm².
The AMD Phenom II X4 B97, by contrast, is based on the older K10 architecture (Deneb codename), built on a 45 nm process node. It has 4 physical cores without hyper-threading. Its cache hierarchy is larger, with 128 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. The base clock is 3.20 GHz, and it has a significantly higher TDP of 95 watts. It uses the AMD Socket AM3 and has a much larger die size at 258 mm², with 758 million transistors. This is a key architectural difference: the i3 uses a smaller, more efficient process, while the Phenom II uses a larger, more power-hungry design with more physical cores.
Where Each One Wins
The recorded data shows a complete sweep for the AMD Phenom II X4 B97 in terms of benchmark scores. It wins all five head-to-head tests, including both multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests. The margin is relatively consistent across the board. For example, in Cinebench R23 Multi-Core, the B97 scores 2154 versus 2000 for the i3-3240, a 7.1% lead. In single-core tests, the same pattern holds. The B97 scores 304 in Cinebench R23 Single-Core, while the i3-3240 scores 282, a 7.2% lead for AMD.
The Intel Core i3-3240 does not win a single benchmark in the head-to-head data. However, it does have a functional advantage in its feature set. It features PCIe Gen 3, while the AMD part is limited to PCIe Gen 2. It also has a lower TDP, which can be a relevant factor for system power consumption. The i3-3240's integrated graphics is a feature on the CPU, whereas the AMD relies on a chipset feature. The i3-3240 also has a higher average benchmark score when including its full profile, because of the Geekbench tests. In the recorded data, it scores 761.1 average, versus 741 for the B97. This is only because of the extra Geekbench test, but it does mean the Intel chip has a better overall profile in the database.
FAQ
Q: Which processor is faster in multi-threaded workloads?
A: The data shows the AMD Phenom II X4 B97 is faster. It wins the Cinebench R23 Multi-Core test with a score of 2154, compared to the Intel Core i3-3240's score of 2000, a difference of 7.1%.
Q: Which processor wins in single-threaded performance?
A: The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 also wins this category. In the Cinebench R23 Single-Core test, it scores 304, while the Intel Core i3-3240 scores 282, a 7.2% lead for AMD.
Q: Is there any benchmark where the Intel Core i3-3240 comes out ahead?
A: No, according to the recorded head-to-head data, the Intel Core i3-3240 does not win any of the five benchmark tests. The AMD B97 wins all five.
Q: What is the difference in their average benchmark scores?
A: The Intel Core i3-3240 has a higher average benchmark score of 761, while the AMD Phenom II X4 B97 has an average score of 741. This is due to the inclusion of a Geekbench test for the Intel part, which is not present in the AMD's profile.
Q: What are the TDPs of these two processors?
A: The Intel Core i3-3240 has a TDP of 55 watts. The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 has a TDP of 95 watts, making it significantly more power-hungry.
Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?
A: No. The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i3-3240 does not.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The benchmark results are entirely in favor of the AMD Phenom II X4 B97. The largest percentage win is in the Cinebench R23 Single-Core test. The AMD part scores 304 points, while the Intel scores 282 points. This is a 7.2% difference. The smallest win is in Cinebench R15 Multi-Core, where the AMD scores 216 and the Intel scores 201, a 6.9% lead.
The other three tests all show a 7.1% lead for AMD. In Cinebench R20 Multi-Core, the B97 scores 904 against 840. In Cinebench R20 Single-Core, the B97 scores 127 against 118. In Cinebench R23 Multi-Core, the B97 scores 2154 against 2000. The consistency of the victory margin across all tests suggests a stable performance advantage for the AMD chip in these Cinebench workloads, regardless of single-core or multi-core execution. The Intel part is never within a few points in any test, as the smallest margin is 15 points in the R15 test.
Specification Differences
The two processors differ across almost every major specification category.
Cores and Threads: The Intel Core i3-3240 has 2 cores and 4 threads. The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 has 4 cores and 4 threads.
Clock Speeds: The Intel has a base clock of 3.40 GHz. The AMD has a base clock of 3.20 GHz. Neither has a boost clock listed.
Cache: The Intel has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 3 MB shared L3. The AMD has 128 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3.
Process Node: The Intel is built on a 22 nm process. The AMD is built on a 45 nm process.
TDP: The Intel has a TDP of 55 W. The AMD has a TDP of 95 W.
Transistors: The Intel die size is 94 mm² with no transistor count listed. The AMD die size is 258 mm² with 758 million transistors.
Memory: Both support DDR3 in a dual-channel configuration. The Intel does not support ECC memory; the AMD does. The AMD has a listed memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s, while the Intel does not have a listed memory bandwidth.
PCIe: The Intel supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 Lanes (CPU only). The AMD supports PCIe Gen 2.
Integrated Graphics: The Intel has Intel HD 2500. The AMD has "On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)".
Socket: The Intel uses Socket 1155. The AMD uses Socket AM3.
Architecture and Codename: The Intel is Ivy Bridge architecture and codename. The AMD is K10 architecture and codename Deneb.
Release Date: The Intel was released on 2012-09-02. The AMD was released on 2010-05-10.
Other: The Intel part number is SR0RH. The AMD part number is HDXB97WFK4DGM. The AMD is marked as "End-of-life" production status.