Intel Core i3-3240

The Intel Core i3-3240 offers 2 cores and 4 threads. Clocks span 3.4GHz base to 3.4GHz boost. It drops into the LGA1155 socket with a 55W TDP — about 27.5W per core. 3MB of L3 cache helps in cache-sensitive games and workloads. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 graphics let it run headless-GPU builds and troubleshooting.

Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP. Its $57.00 price tag places it squarely in budget territory. PlanMyPC's builder flags compatibility problems automatically and tracks the latest processor deals from multiple stores. Warranty coverage follows Intel's standard policy — confirm regional terms on the listing.