Intel Core i3-3240 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i33240

Pros: Fastest by GHz in class, cheaper but solid model in the core series.
One of the best cheaper processors for a media PC, for normal computer, or small personal server uses.

Cons: Actually worse than the 3225. This processor is essentially a slightly faster version of the 3220.

Other Thoughts: If you're going for more oomph, you're probably better off upgrading to the i5 series for quad core with more MB cache.
The 3225 is better for a non-discrete graphics solution, because the 3220 and 3240 has Graphics 2500, which is considerably less capable than the 4000 that is the standard on the i3 3225 and most i5 series.

Although it takes a few months into product lines to flesh out all the different models, at this point, anyone might as well wait for the 4th gen i3 that hits somewhere around May-June 2013.

Still, if you need a processor now, and don't care about the best integrated graphics solution, pick up the i3 3220 instead of this 3240. It's almost $50 cheaper on average, and has the same stats except for 200MHz or so.

Pros: Runs much faster them my previous AMD APU. Runs cool and the stock cooler can be adjusted to run very quite.

Cons: Pricey for the 100mhz boost.

Other Thoughts: I purchased this from another website when it was in sake cheaper then the 3.3GHz model of this processor.

This runs my minecraft and ventrillo server very well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a HTPC or a small server.

Pros: this processor is perfect for a budget gaming rig or any gaming rig for that matter, very happy with the way it performs. the hyperthreading makes it run like a quad core and i love every thing about it. dont underestimate an i3, i went with this over an AMD processor. Its reasonably priced, and it performs great.

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: i play alot of the call of dutys and this chip paired with a radeon 6850 i hit 200fps maxed out and pretty much all games