In the table below, we listed all Core i3-21xx CPU models. These are desktop models based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. They are also called second-generation Core i3 processors and use the socket LGA1155. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel architecture as well as 1,066 MHz and 1,333 MHz DDR3 memories. They also have an integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller supporting one x16 connection, two x8 connections, one x8 connection or two x4 connections. Communication with the motherboard chipset is achieved through a DMI bus (2 GB/s each direction, which is listed as 5 GT/s by Intel). All models have an integrated DirectX 10.1 video controller running at 650 MHz or 850 MHz, with 1.1 GHz “boost” clock and six (HD 2000) or 12 (HD 3000) processing cores. These models support two video monitors.

As mentioned before, all Core i3 CPUs support Hyper-Threading (HT) technology, which simulates two logical processing cores in each physical core. Therefore, they are recognized by the operating system as four-core CPUs.

TDP stands for Thermal Design Power and indicates the CPU maximum thermal dissipation, i.e., the CPU cooler must be able to dissipate at least this amount of heat.

* The temperatures listed above are Tcase, which is the maximum external temperature of the CPU. On some other models, the manufacturer lists Tjunction, which is the maximum internal temperature of the CPU. The two are not comparable.