Core i3-2102 vs Pentium G3460T

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-2102 vs Pentium G3460T FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-2102 vs Pentium G3460T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-2102

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, while Pentium G3460T needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Pentium G3460T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,029 vs 2,036).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 29.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $69 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Pentium G3460T

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $48 less on MSRP ($69 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
✅Delivers 70.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.5 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($69 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2102 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2102.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3460T better than Core i3-2102?

Yes. Pentium G3460T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3460T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G3460T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Pentium G3460T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3460T comes in $48 cheaper on MSRP at $69 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 70.2% better value on MSRP (29.5 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3460T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2102 vs Pentium G3460T Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-2102

The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium G3460T

The Pentium G3460T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,036 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2102 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3460T's 2 cores. The Core i3-2102 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-2102 scores 2,029 against the Pentium G3460T's 2,036 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium G3460T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3460T.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium G3460T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+3%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	2,029	2,036
Geekbench 6 Single	515	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,082	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2102 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3460T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium G3460T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-2102) / not specified (Pentium G3460T). The Core i3-2102 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Pentium G3460T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium G3460T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Office Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2102 was priced at $117, while the Pentium G3460T came in at $69. On launch pricing ($117 vs $69), Pentium G3460T was $48 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2102 delivers 17.3 pts/$ vs 29.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3460T — making the Pentium G3460T the 51.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium G3460T
MSRP	$117	$69-41%
Performance per Dollar	17.3	29.5+71%
Release Date	2011	2015

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