Intel Core i3-3250T

The Intel Core i3-3250T is a 35-watt dual-core desktop processor from Intel's Ivy Bridge generation, released on June 8, 2013. It runs at a fixed 3.00 GHz base clock with no turbo boost, and supports four threads through Hyper-Threading. The chip integrates a 3 MB shared L3 cache, dual-channel DDR3 memory support with 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, and an Intel HD 2500 graphics unit. Built on a 22 nm process with a die size of 94 mm², it fits the LGA 1155 socket and uses PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes. In the benchmark database, it ranks at the 20th percentile among all CPUs, with an average score of 775. Its nearest rivals, the Intel Core i7-3687U, AMD Athlon X4 760K, Intel Core i5-680, and AMD A10-5800K, all post average scores between 776 and 778, placing the i3-3250T within 0.4% of each.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i3-3250T's benchmark results reveal a clear split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R20, it scores 133 points in single-core and 945 in multi-core, a ratio of roughly 7.1:1. The R23 test shows a similar pattern: 318 single-core and 2252 multi-core. This scaling is typical for a 2-core/4-thread processor, where the two physical cores are augmented by Hyper-Threading to handle four concurrent threads. However, the absolute scores are modest. The single-core figures are low enough that lightly threaded applications, such as web browsers, office suites, or legacy software, will feel sluggish when compared to even entry-level modern CPUs. Multi-threaded workloads, such as video transcoding or batch image processing, will benefit from the four threads, but the limited physical core count caps the ceiling. The 3.00 GHz base clock, with no turbo boost, ensures consistent performance, but also means there is no headroom for bursty single-thread tasks. For users who run multiple applications concurrently, the four threads allow for some parallelism, but the low single-core score becomes a bottleneck when a foreground task demands immediate CPU response. For real-world use, the i3-3250T is best suited to tasks that are not latency-sensitive, where its steady throughput can be leveraged without demanding peak single-core speed. The multi-core scores, while low in absolute terms, do show that the processor can scale well for its class, the R23 multi-core score is over seven times the single-core score, indicating that Hyper-Threading is effective in extracting work from parallel workloads. Yet, the 20th percentile overall rank underscores that these scores are at the bottom of the current CPU landscape.

Power and Thermals

The 35 W TDP is the defining characteristic of the i3-3250T. This low power envelope, combined with the 22 nm process node and a die size of 94 mm², means the processor generates very little heat. A simple air cooler, or even a passive solution in a well-ventilated case, is sufficient to keep it within operating limits. The lack of a boost clock further stabilizes power draw, as the CPU never exceeds its base frequency. The 35 W TDP also means that the processor can be paired with very small heatsinks, enabling fanless designs in some cases, though the integrated GPU adds a small amount of heat. The memory subsystem, dual-channel DDR3 with 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, is standard for the era and does not impose additional thermal demands. The integrated Intel HD 2500 GPU shares the thermal budget, but its performance is secondary to the CPU's. For system builders, the i3-3250T opens the door to compact, low-noise builds where cooling is constrained. The 35 W figure places it in the same class as many mobile processors, making it an attractive option for small-form-factor desktops or always-on servers. The absence of a turbo boost means that the thermal load is predictable, allowing for very conservative cooling solutions. The 22 nm process also contributes to efficiency; the 94 mm² die size is relatively small, which helps reduce heat density. The processor's end-of-life status means it is no longer in production, but its power characteristics remain relevant for legacy systems where low power draw is a priority.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data shows that the i3-3250T delivers performance that is effectively indistinguishable from its closest rivals. Its average benchmark score is 775. The Intel Core i7-3687U scores 776, a 0.2% advantage; the AMD Athlon X4 760K scores 777, also 0.2% ahead; the Intel Core i5-680 scores 777, 0.3% ahead; and the AMD A10-5800K scores 778, 0.4% ahead. These deltas are within the margin of error for most benchmark suites, so the i3-3250T can be considered tied with all four. In specific Cinebench tests, the multicore scores (R15: 226, R20: 945, R23: 2252) show that it can handle modest parallel workloads. The single-core scores (R20: 133, R23: 318) are less impressive, but they align with the processor's low-power positioning. The 20th percentile rank among all CPUs underscores that this is a low-end part, yet within its peer group it holds its own. The consistency across multiple Cinebench versions suggests that the performance profile has not changed over time, which is expected for a fixed-clock part. When comparing to the nearest rivals, the i3-3250T's average score is lower than all of them, but the differences are minuscule. For instance, the 0.2% gap to the i7-3687U translates to roughly 1.5 points on a 775-point scale, well within run-to-run variation. Similarly, the 0.4% gap to the A10-5800K is about 3 points. This means that in real-world applications, the i3-3250T will perform essentially identically to these processors, despite their different architectures and core counts. The benchmark results thus paint a picture of a CPU that is competitive within its immediate segment, but not beyond it. The average benchmark score of 775 places it in the bottom 20% of all CPUs, but within its immediate peer group, it is not the slowest, it is merely the lowest of the five, with a margin of less than half a percent.

Who Should Consider It

Given the 20th percentile standing and the benchmark scores, the i3-3250T is aimed at users who prioritize power efficiency over raw performance. Office productivity, email, web browsing, and document editing are within its capabilities, as these tasks are lightly threaded and do not demand high single-core scores. The low TDP makes it a candidate for home theater PCs (HTPCs) or compact desktops where noise and heat are concerns. However, it is not suited for gaming, the integrated HD 2500 GPU is weak, and the CPU's single-thread performance is insufficient for modern game physics or AI. For content creation, the multi-core scores (e.g., 2252 in R23) are far too low for rendering or heavy video editing. The processor is also end-of-life, so it is only relevant for legacy systems or budget builds using existing LGA 1155 motherboards. Users who need a simple, reliable CPU for basic tasks and have a compatible platform will find it adequate; those expecting anything more should look elsewhere. The 35 W TDP also appeals to those building silent systems, where the absence of a boost clock ensures no thermal spikes. The dual-channel memory support and 25.6 GB/s bandwidth are sufficient for office applications, but not for memory-intensive tasks. The processor's 2 cores and 4 threads can handle multiple light applications simultaneously without significant slowdown, but heavy multitasking will strain the limited resources. For a dedicated machine that runs a single application, such as a file server or a lightweight web server, the i3-3250T is a viable choice.

How It Compares

Intel Core i7-3687U: The i7-3687U holds an average score of 776, which is 0.2% higher than the i3-3250T's 775. The two processors are effectively tied in overall benchmark performance, despite the i7 being a mobile part and the i3 a desktop part. This delta is within the typical variance of benchmark runs, so the i3-3250T should not be considered slower in practical terms.

AMD Athlon X4 760K: The Athlon X4 760K averages 777, 0.2% above the i3-3250T. This puts the two within a rounding error of each other, indicating that the i3-3250T can compete with a processor that has a different core configuration. The negligible difference means that users are unlikely to notice any performance gap in everyday use.

Intel Core i5-680: The i5-680 scores 777, 0.3% higher than the i3-3250T. The gap is negligible, and the two are likely to deliver similar real-world performance in most applications. The i3-3250T's newer process and lower power draw do not translate into a meaningful benchmark disadvantage.

AMD A10-5800K: The A10-5800K posts an average of 778, 0.4% ahead of the i3-3250T. This is the largest delta among the four rivals, but still within a fraction of a percent, making the i3-3250T a close match. The i3-3250T's lower TDP and smaller die size offset the slight performance deficit, making it a compelling choice for power-conscious builds.