i3-3210 vs i7-980

VS

Aggregate performance score

Core i7-980
2011
6 cores / 12 threads, 130 Watt
4.37
+210%
Core i3-3210
2013
2 cores / 4 threads, 55 Watt
1.41

Core i7-980 outperforms Core i3-3210 by a whopping 210% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210 processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking13562223
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation0.220.20
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
Power efficiency3.182.42
Architecture codenameGulftown (2010−2011)Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Release date26 June 2011 (13 years ago)1 January 2013 (11 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$1,109$120

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

i7-980 has 10% better value for money than i3-3210.

Detailed specifications

Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210 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 cores6 (Hexa-Core)2 (Dual-core)
Threads124
Base clock speed3.33 GHz3.2 GHz
Boost clock speed3.6 GHz3.2 GHz
Bus rate4.8 GT/s5 GT/s
L1 cache64 KB (per core)64 KB (per core)
L2 cache256 KB (per core)256 KB (per core)
L3 cache12 MB (shared)3072 KB (shared)
Chip lithography32 nm22 nm
Die size239 mm294 mm2
Maximum core temperature69 °Cno data
Maximum case temperature (TCase)no data65 °C
Number of transistors1,170 millionno data
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility--

Compatibility

Information on Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210 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
SocketFCLGA1366,LGA1366FCLGA1155
Power consumption (TDP)130 Watt55 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.2Intel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX
AES-NI+-
AVX-+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
My WiFino data+
Turbo Boost Technology1.0-
Hyper-Threading Technology++
Idle States++
Thermal Monitoring-+
Demand Based Switching-no data
FDIno data+

Security technologies

Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210 technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT-+
EDB++
Secure Keyno data-
Identity Protection-+
Anti-Theftno data+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210 are enumerated here.

VT-dno data-
VT-x++
EPT++

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR3DDR3
Maximum memory size24 GB32 GB
Max memory channels32
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 i7-980 and Core i3-3210 integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supportedno data3

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210.

PCIe version2.02.0

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.

i7-980 4.37
+210%
i3-3210 1.41

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.

i7-980 6941
+211%
i3-3210 2233

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 4.37 1.41
Recency 26 June 2011 1 January 2013
Physical cores 6 2
Threads 12 4
Chip lithography 32 nm 22 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 130 Watt 55 Watt

i7-980 has a 209.9% higher aggregate performance score, and 200% more physical cores and 200% more threads.

i3-3210, on the other hand, has an age advantage of 1 year, a 45.5% more advanced lithography process, and 136.4% lower power consumption.

The Core i7-980 is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i3-3210 in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-980 and Core i3-3210, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.


Intel Core i7-980
Core i7-980
Intel Core i3-3210
Core i3-3210

Similar processor comparisons

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Community ratings

Here you can see how users rate the processors, as well as rate them yourself.


4.1 46 votes

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Questions & comments

Here you can ask a question about Core i7-980 or Core i3-3210, agree or disagree with our judgements, or report an error or mismatch.