Intel Core i3-3210 vs Intel Core i7-950
The Intel Core i3-3210 is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 5%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i3-3210 | Intel Core i7-950 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 23/100 | 22/100 |
| Tier | F | F |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 8 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.1 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 55 W | 130 W |
| Release year | 2012 | 2009 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i3-3210 is the better buy — it holds a 5% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i7-950 has more cores (4 vs 2), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i3-3210 runs 75W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.