Intel Core i3-3225 - Core i3 3rd Gen Ivy Bridge Dual-Core 3.3 GHz LGA 1155 55W Intel HD Graphics 4000 Desktop Processor - BX80637I33225

Pros: See previous review.

Cons: See previous review.

Overall Review: In my previous Review I forgot to mention that RAM has a huge effect on the ability of the intergrated graphics. I currently am running only 4GB DDR3 with 9-9-9-28 and OC'd to 1600. The increase in speed caused slightly higher frps. RAM with lower timings or higher frequency should also have better results. Also it is only using 512MB of RAM with the option to use up to 2GB. I think this would also give greatly increased performance. I plan to try this once I trade up to 16GB RAM at 8-8-8-24 at 1600.

As a last thought on this CPU, people have reported that it is capable of playing Skyrm and Battlefield 3 with fps of around 25. Not the best, but it is still playable.

Also, despite this not being a K cpu, the GPU is capable of being overlocked. While this is questionable how effective it will be, minor overclocking up to around 1350 is possible without loosing stability or increasing voltage.

I hope this information has been found useful.

Pros: Integrated graphics, so no need for video card in HTPC setup

Low TDP, so it stays pretty cool even with stock fan and uses little power

Intel brand name

Cons: Using it in a HTPC setup (XBMC on Linux) connected to TV via HDMI. When switching between cable input and HDMI the video does not always appear. Have tried XBMC on Linux and Windows; both seem to behave same way even with "tweaks" to video setup. Even tried 2 different H77 style boards from different "major" manufacturers and see the same issues. Not sure where to look or go next.

Overall Review: Intel CPU mounting method seems strange (chip rests in socket only a certain way) to me since I have used AMD (pins go into sockets) for many many years.

Not so sure about complaints saying "chip heats up". Mine stays around 40~45 C under Linux (Ubuntu 12.10) and Windows, even in a small cramped HTPC chassis (no overclocking) that has fans spinning about 2000 rpm, but almost silent. Could build similar setup using AMD APU (use an A-series, not an E- or C-series APU), and that would have a better graphics chip, but it would use slightly more power than Intel CPU with 4000 graphics.

Not sure if I would buy another Intel CPU with integrated graphics if they continue to have issues making the HDMI port work.