Intel Core i3-3225 Dual-Core Processor 3.3 GHz 3 MB Cache LGA 1155 – BX80637i33225
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UWpdJ8kXL._SL160_.jpg
- Dual Core
- Ivy Bridge
- Socket 1155
Boxed Intel Core i3-3225 Processor (3M Cache, 3.30 GHz) FC-LGA12C – Ivy Bridge
Intel Dual Processor
Intel Core i3-3225 Dual-Core Processor 3.3 GHz 3 MB Cache LGA 1155 – BX80637i33225
List Price: $ 144.99
Price:
Working great in my HTPC!,
Processor Specs:
i3-3225, 3.30 GHz, 3MB Cache, LGA1155, HD Graphics 4000
2 Cores/4 Way Multitask Processing (Hyper-Threading)
3 year warranty
I’ve wanted an HTPC for some time now but couldn’t decide if I wanted to build one or buy a small form factor (bookshelf) offering. After reading countless reviews of today’s offerings, I wasn’t confident the performance from a bookshelf pc would be adequate for what I want my HTPC to do. I’ll mostly use it to stream content to my flat screen but would also like to run serviio and pogoplug’s desktop software.
I chose this i3 processor with HD 4000 graphics because I really didn’t want to purchase a dedicated video card. I’ll put my gaming pc’s card (Nvidia GTX 560Ti) in it when it can’t keep up with new titles.
Overall I’m completely happy with my choice. The computer takes about 60 seconds to start up and be usable; I know installing an ssd will make a huge difference. My gaming pc (i5 2500k) with ssd boot drive takes around 10-15 seconds in comparison.
Below is a summary of my findings over the past week of use in different scenarios.
Computer is running Windows 7 64bit
Scenario 1) Windows Experience Results with my setup (7.9 = Highest possible score)
Processor = 7.2
Memory = 7.6
Graphics (HD 4000) = 6.5
Gaming Graphics (HD 4000) = 6.5
Primary Hard Disk = 5.9 <—Note: this is with the 7200 RPM laptop drive.
Scenario 2) Running Prime 95 with all cores maxed
Core Temps ~60 deg C (I used my i5 2500k fan since it seemed better than the included i3 fan. I also used artic silver thermal paste.)
Saw 48 Watts max on my kill a watt meter
Scenario 3) Streaming High Definition Movie over my network (~7,000 kb/s)
Screen resolution is set to 1920×1080
Core Temps~33 deg C with 10-15% cpu usage
Saw around 26 watts on my kill a watt meter
I didn’t see any pixilation and vlc (using default settings) didn’t show any dropped frames. The HTPC is hooked up to my receiver with an hdmi cable.
Scenario 4) Computer sitting idle
Core Temps~30 deg C with 1-3% cpu usage
Saw around 23 watts on my kill a watt meter
Here is a list of the components used in my HTPC.
Build ~$335 after rebates (excluding hard drive)
Case: Cooler Mater Elite 120 Advanced
Motherboard: Asus P8H77-I
Processor: Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz
Power Supply: 400W MK III Silencer
Hard Drive: Seagate 7200 RPM laptop drive (had it lying around…)
Future Plans:
I want to get serviio and pogoplug desktop up and running. When my new 3tb hard drives arrive, I’m going to have the HTPC hold all my media files and become a central backup location.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Amazing CPU i3-3225,
I purchased this CPU for my HTPC ,I have to tell you it’s very fast I am running windows 8 with ssd hard drive , it takes less that 6 seconds to boot up and the performance is stunning. because it’s i3 doesn’t mean it’s slower there are too many i3 cpus but this one is the good one. you can play games anything with this cpu but remember Graphic card is important in games so get a gtx650 or something like that.
Was this review helpful to you?
|A Great CPU with HD 4000 Graphics,
If you’re looking for a budget CPU with Intel’s HD 4000 graphics, stop here. No, seriously. This is Intel’s only Core i3 processor for desktops with the HD 4000 GPU integrated onto the chip. All other third-generation Core i3 GPUs utilize a shader-reduced variant of the HD 4000 that won’t cut it for gaming.
Now, some of you may shudder to think of the HD 4000 being used for gaming, but it actually can handle very well. If you’re on a budget, and can’t afford a great GPU just yet, the HD 4000 can play games like Half-Life 2 and Doom 3 without problem. No, it can’t play the latest-and-greatest flawlessly, but it will do 1080P H.264 video without overheating your room, or your electricity bill.
Not to mention, as a CPU, the Core i3 delivers excellence that puts down AMD’s latest Fusion class of CPUs. While Fusion may deliver better GPUs, you’re probably going to buy a GPU anyways at some point, which makes Fusion’s GPU useless in comparison.
Also, for HTPC systems, often times, you don’t want an amazing GPU. You’ve got an Xbox 360 or PS3 for that. Enjoy playing all the games that your Xbox can’t run, and get great low-heat CPU capabilities at the same time.
Was this review helpful to you?
|