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Intel Core i3 3220T Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£110
  • PassMark benchmark result: 1953
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Core i3 3220T review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.0

Technical Score

10.0%

6.7

User score

Poor
4.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.0

Performance

18.0%

5.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.3

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

Poor
6.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(36)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 1.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.8

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i3-3220t
intel-core-i3-3220t

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-3220T is a dual-core, four-thread desktop processor from the 3rd Generation Ivy Bridge family, featuring a base clock speed of 2.80 GHz and a 3 MB L3 Smart Cache. Built on a 22nm lithography process, its standout characteristic is a low 35W Thermal Design Power (TDP), making it highly energy-efficient and suitable for small-form-factor systems or quiet office builds. It supports up to 32 GB of DDR3-1333/1600 memory and includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 with a maximum dynamic frequency of 1.05 GHz. Main advantages include its low power consumption, support for ECC memory, and reliability for everyday tasks like web browsing and light productivity. However, it lacks Intel Turbo Boost technology, has no overclocking support due to a locked multiplier, and its integrated graphics are insufficient for modern 3D gaming or intensive video editing.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 3220T

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.0

Performance

18.0%

5.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.3

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

4.0
Intel Core i3 3220T has a technical score of 3.96 points, which is lower than that of 82.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(36)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.7
Intel Core i3 3220T has a user score of 6.69 points, which is lower than that of 96.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
3.6
Intel Core i3 3220T has a popularity of 3.6 points, which is higher than 79.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

5.9
Intel Core i3 3220T has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 69.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i3 3220T belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1155
Intel Core i3 3220T uses the LGA1155 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 53.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

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CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 3220T uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i3 3220T has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 3220T offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 3220T offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 2.8 GHz
Intel Core i3 3220T has a base clock of 2x2.8 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i3 3220T uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i3 3220T is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

3 MB
Intel Core i3 3220T has an L3 cache of 3 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 5.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

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L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i3 3220T has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i3 3220T supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i3 3220T supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i3 3220T supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i3 3220T supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 3220T includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 2500
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 2500
Intel Core i3 3220T uses the Intel HD Graphics 2500 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 72.7% of processors and equal to that in 1.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

6
Intel Core i3 3220T has 6 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 83.8% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

650 MHz
Intel Core i3 3220T has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 3220T supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 53% of processors and equal to 4.9% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

35 W
Intel Core i3 3220T has a TDP of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.8% of processors and equal to that of 14.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

35 W
Intel Core i3 3220T has a base power of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

43.75 W
Intel Core i3 3220T has a boost power of 43.75 W which is lower than that of 72.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i3 3220T does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i3 3220T vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 3220T includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 3220T includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 47.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower die size than the average processor (94 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower die size than the average processor (94 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².94 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 31.6% lower boost power
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (43.8 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (43.8 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.43.75 W vs 64 W
  • 3.65x more popular
    Intel Core i3 3220T is more popular than the average processor (3.65 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i3 3220T is more popular than the average processor (3.65 vs 1.000).3.65 vs 1
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.35 W vs 45 W
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
    When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=350 MHz

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • 47.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower die size than the average processor (94 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 3220T includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 31.6% lower boost power
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (43.8 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.

Total
Overall
Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 3220T has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
    September 2012
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i3 3220T supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 3220T does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 68.7% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (460 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 40.1% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,487 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 90.4% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (461 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 81.5% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,953 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • No Turbo Boost
    Intel Core i3 3220T does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 62.5% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 3220T has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 3220T uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 3220T has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i3 3220T uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 3220T supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older PCIe version
    Intel Core i3 3220T supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3.0).
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 75% less memory per DIMM
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (8 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
  • 75% fewer GPU execution units
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (6 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i3 3220T uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 2,500 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 3220T does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 68.7% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (460 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (460 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.460 vs 1,471
  • 40.1% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,487 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,487 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,487 vs 2,483
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 90.4% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (461 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (461 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.461 vs 4,793
  • 81.5% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,953 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,953 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.1,953 vs 10,532.5
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 3220T has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 3220T supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i3 3220T supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i3 3220T has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 3220T and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
36 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i3 3220T?

  • Exceptionally low power consumption with a 35W TDP, making it ideal for 24/7 home servers or HTPCs
  • Runs very cool even with the stock cooler, allowing for silent or low-fan-speed builds
  • Reliable performance for basic productivity tasks like web browsing, office work, and HD media streaming
  • Support for Intel Quick Sync Video, which provides significant speed boosts in supported video transcoding applications
  • Budget-friendly entry point for the LGA 1155 socket, offering an easy upgrade path to more powerful i5 or i7 Ivy Bridge CPUs

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 3220T?

  • Limited multitasking capabilities due to having only 2 physical cores, which can cause modern operating systems like Windows 10 to feel sluggish
  • Weak integrated graphics (Intel HD 2500) that struggle with modern 3D games and high-resolution gaming benchmarks
  • Lacks advanced features found in higher-end models, such as Turbo Boost, AES-NI encryption acceleration, and PCIe 3.0 support
  • Locked multiplier prevents any meaningful overclocking for performance enthusiasts
  • Stock retail heatsink can become noisy under heavy load despite the low TDP

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q4 2012
Intel Core I3-3220T Benchmarks, Linux Performance

The Intel Core i3-3220T is a 22nm Ivy Bridge dual-core processor designed for energy-efficient, LGA1155 socket systems, boasting a low 35W TDP and a 2.8 GHz base clock. Benchmarks indicate the processor is well-suited for basic, low-power desktop tasks, though its performance is roughly 14% lower in multi-threaded tasks compared to higher-clocked alternatives. Pros include high...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i3-3220T Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i3-3220T is a 3rd-gen "Ivy Bridge" dual-core processor designed for power efficiency, featuring 2.8 GHz clock speeds and a low 35W TDP suitable for small-form-factor PCs. It supports Hyper-Threading and Intel HD Graphics 2500, offering adequate performance for basic productivity and media tasks. However, it is restricted by a locked multiplier, a lack of modern...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Intel Core i3-3220T @ 2.80GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i3-3220T is a dual-core 2.8 GHz Ivy Bridge desktop processor launched in Q3 2012, utilizing Hyper-Threading but lacking Turbo Boost. According to PassMark, it provides a CPU Mark of 1,953 and a single-thread rating of 1,487, catering to budget or legacy computing needs. Key benefits include a 35W TDP for energy-efficient, small-form-factor systems, alongside support...Read more

G
gamestar.de
15/09/2012
Intel Core i3-3220: The Most Affordable Ivy Bridge Processor

The Intel Core i3-3220 serves as an affordable, energy-efficient entry point into the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring a 3.3 GHz dual-core design with Hyper-Threading that offers a 30% performance boost over non-HT chips. A key advantage is its low 55W TDP, making it more power-efficient than predecessor chips. Performance-wise, the CPU excels in office tasks and light...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
30/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i3-3220T (Single-Thread)

a little longerThinking a little longer The Intel Core i3-3220T, analyzed in the CPU-Z validation, is a 35W Ivy Bridge dual-core processor designed for energy-efficient, compact systems. It offers the advantage of exceptionally low heat output and minimal power consumption, suitable for fanless builds, while Hyper-Threading provides basic multitasking capabilities for its era....Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
ginjfo.com
18/09/2012
Core i3-3225 and Core i3-3240T: Ivy Bridge and the mid-range

The 2012 GinjFo review highlights the Ivy Bridge-based Core i3-3225 and Core i3-3240T as energy-efficient, mid-range dual-core processors with Hyper-Threading. Key advantages include strong single-core performance for productivity and, specifically with the i3-3225, superior integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 for media tasks, while the 35W i3-3240T excels in HTPC applications....Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tomshardware.fr
14/10/2014
Processor Review: 122 models compared

Tom's Hardware France compares 122 processors, establishing that AMD's X3D series, led by the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, dominates gaming with massive L3 cache, while Intel’s Core Ultra 200S series excels in productivity via high multi-threaded performance. The study highlights AMD's AM5 platform for longevity and top-tier gaming performance, alongside Intel's strength in versatile,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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