Intel Core i3-3240T
Intel Core i3-3240T: Review of an Outdated but Relevant Processor for Budget Tasks
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Key Features: Ivy Bridge Architecture and Modest Performance
The Intel Core i3-3240T, released in 2013, belongs to the Ivy Bridge generation. Despite its age, it still finds its way into budget builds and low-power systems.
Architecture and Technology Process
- Codename: Ivy Bridge (3rd generation Intel Core).
- Technology Process: 22 nm — a significant advancement for its time, but today this process is considered archaic (modern processors use 5-7 nm).
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Base Clock Speed: 2.9 GHz (no turbo boost).
- TDP: 35 W — the main advantage for energy-efficient systems.
Performance
- Geekbench 6: Single-Core — 477, Multi-Core — 1035. For comparison: the modern budget processor Intel Core i3-12100 (2023) scores about 1800/6000.
- Cache: 3 MB L3 — minimal for basic tasks.
Key Features:
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 — supports DirectX 11 but will struggle even with simple games of the 2020s.
- Virtualization support (VT-x) — useful for running lightweight virtual machines.
Compatible Motherboards: LGA1155 Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the outdated LGA1155 socket, which limits the choice of motherboards.
Relevant Chipsets (at CPU Release):
- H61/B75: Budget options supporting SATA II/III and USB 3.0 (only B75).
- H77/Z77: More advanced — support SSD caching (Intel Smart Response) and overclocking (Z77).
Recommendations for 2025:
- No new boards are being produced. Only used models remain on the market (price: $20–50).
- It's advisable to look for boards with functional capacitors and updated BIOS firmware.
- Model Examples: ASUS P8H61-M LE, Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H.
Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The Core i3-3240T works exclusively with DDR3 memory:
- Types: DDR3-1333/1600 MHz.
- Maximum Capacity: 32 GB (theoretically), but most motherboards from that era are limited to 16 GB.
Tip: Use dual-channel mode (2 modules of 4 GB) for a slight performance boost in multithreaded tasks.
Power Supply: Minimum Requirements
With a TDP of 35 W, the processor puts minimal load on the system. Recommendations:
- Without a discrete GPU: A power supply of 250–300 W (e.g., be quiet! SFX Power 3, 300W — $45).
- With a graphics card: If integrating a GPU like the NVIDIA GT 1030 (TDP 30 W), a 400 W PSU is sufficient (Corsair CV450 — $55).
Important: Avoid using cheap noname power supplies; even for such a system, they can lead to component failures.
Pros and Cons of the i3-3240T
Pros:
- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for PCs running 24/7 (e.g., home servers).
- Low Cost: The CPU on the secondary market costs $10–15.
- Quiet Operation: Passive cooling is sufficient under load.
Cons:
- Weak Performance: Struggles with video editing, modern games, or heavy IDEs.
- Outdated Platform: Lacks support for NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited Upgrade Path: The maximum for LGA1155 is the Core i7-3770K, which is also outdated.
Use Cases: Where the i3-3240T is Still Relevant
1. Office Tasks
- Working with documents, browsing, and Zoom calls. Example: a build with i3-3240T, 8 GB DDR3, 240 GB SSD would suit small businesses with a budget of up to $100.
2. Home Media Center
- Streaming video (1080p), music, and lightweight retro game emulators. Tip: Install Kodi or LibreELEC for optimization.
3. Entry-Level Server
- NAS for file storage, VPN server, Home Assistant.
4. Educational Projects
- Learning the basics of programming (Python, Scratch), working with Linux.
Not Suitable For:
- Gaming after 2015 (e.g., The Witcher 3 even on minimum settings).
- 4K editing, 3D rendering.
Comparison with Competitors
In its price range ($10–20 on the secondary market), the i3-3240T competes with:
AMD A8-5600K (2012):
- Pros: Better integrated graphics (Radeon HD 7560D).
- Cons: Higher TDP (65 W), worse single-core performance.
Intel Pentium G4560 (2017):
- Pros: Supports DDR4, newer instructions.
- Cons: More expensive ($25–30 used).
Practical Assembly Tips
1. OS Choice
- Windows 10/11: Requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, but may experience lag.
- Linux: Lubuntu or Linux Mint Xfce are optimal for speed.
2. Mandatory SSD
Even an old SATA SSD (e.g., Kingston A400 — $20 for 240 GB) will speed up system boot times by 3–4 times.
3. Cooling
- Budget cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T ($15) or Intel's stock cooler (used — $5).
4. Example Build
- CPU: i3-3240T ($15 used).
- Motherboard: ASUS P8H61-M LE ($30 used).
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3 ($15 used).
- Storage: 240 GB SSD ($20).
- PSU: 300W ($45 new).
- Total: $125 (excluding case).
Final Conclusion: Who is the i3-3240T For?
This processor is a choice for:
1. Budget Build Enthusiasts: If you need a PC for $100–150 for basic tasks.
2. Owners of Old Systems: Upgrading a 2010s PC without changing the motherboard.
3. People Who Value Quietness and Economy: Media centers or servers where low power consumption is crucial.
Why Not to Get the i3-3240T in 2025?
If you can spend $200–300, it's better to buy a new Intel Celeron G6900 (2023) or AMD Ryzen 3 4100 — they are significantly faster and support modern standards.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i3-3240T is an example of a "workhorse" that, despite its age, remains useful in niche scenarios. It should be considered only as a temporary solution or part of a super-budget build. In the era of DDR5 and 5 nm technology processes, such a CPU is a relic, but a relic with character.