Core i3-3240 vs Core 2 Extreme QX6700

VS

Aggregate performance score

Core 2 Extreme QX6700
2006
4 cores / 4 threads, 130 Watt
1.33
Core i3-3240
2012
2 cores / 4 threads, 55 Watt
1.47
+10.5%

Core i3-3240 outperforms Core 2 Extreme QX6700 by a moderate 11% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240 processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking22622177
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluationno data2.62
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesCore 2 Extreme (Desktop)no data
Power efficiency0.972.53
Architecture codenameKentsfield (2007)Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Release dateno data3 September 2012 (12 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)no data$75

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

no data

Detailed specifications

Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240 basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores4 (Quad-Core)2 (Dual-core)
Threads44
Base clock speedno data3.4 GHz
Boost clock speed2.67 GHz3.4 GHz
Bus rate1066 MHz5 GT/s
L1 cache64K (per core)64 KB (per core)
L2 cache8 MB (shared)256 KB (per core)
L3 cache0 KB3 MB (shared)
Chip lithography65 nm22 nm
Die size2x 143 mm294 mm2
Maximum case temperature (TCase)64 °C65 °C
Number of transistors582 millionno data
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility--
Unlocked multiplier+-

Compatibility

Information on Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240 compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration11
Socket775FCLGA1155
Power consumption (TDP)130 Watt55 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsno dataIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX
AVX-+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
My WiFino data+
Turbo Boost Technologyno data-
Hyper-Threading Technologyno data+
Idle Statesno data+
Thermal Monitoring-+
FDIno data+

Security technologies

Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240 technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXTno data+
EDBno data+
Secure Keyno data-
Identity Protection-+
Anti-Theftno data+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240 are enumerated here.

VT-dno data-
VT-xno data+
EPTno data+

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR1, DDR2, DDR3DDR3
Maximum memory sizeno data32 GB
Max memory channelsno data2
Maximum memory bandwidthno data25.6 GB/s

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardno dataIntel HD Graphics 2500
Quick Sync Video-+
Clear Video HDno data+
Graphics max frequencyno data1.05 GHz
InTru 3Dno data+

Graphics interfaces

Available interfaces and connections of Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240 integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supportedno data3

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core 2 Extreme (Desktop) QX6700 and Core i3-3240.

PCIe versionno data2.0

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

Core 2 Extreme QX6700 1.33
i3-3240 1.47
+10.5%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

Core 2 Extreme QX6700 2118
i3-3240 2328
+9.9%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 1.33 1.47
Physical cores 4 2
Chip lithography 65 nm 22 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 130 Watt 55 Watt

Core 2 Extreme QX6700 has 100% more physical cores.

i3-3240, on the other hand, has a 10.5% higher aggregate performance score, a 195.5% more advanced lithography process, and 136.4% lower power consumption.

The Core i3-3240 is our recommended choice as it beats the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core 2 Extreme QX6700 and Core i3-3240, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
Core 2 Extreme QX6700
Intel Core i3-3240
Core i3-3240

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Community ratings

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Questions & comments

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