Core i3-2125 vs Pentium G2140
Core i3-2125
Pentium G2140
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2125 is positioned at rank 892 and the Pentium G2140 is on rank 775, so the Pentium G2140 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2125
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G2140
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2125 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2125 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+530%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2125 and Pentium G2140
Core i3-2125
The Core i3-2125 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.
Pentium G2140
The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2125 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2140's 2 cores. The Core i3-2125 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-2125 scores 2,082 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G2140. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 499 vs 550, a 9.7% lead for the Pentium G2140 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2125 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | — |
| PassMark | 2,082 | 2,092 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 499 | 550+10% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 920 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B65,Q65,Q67,B75,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2125) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2125) vs VT-x (Pentium G2140). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2125) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G2140) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop, Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2125 launched at $134 MSRP, while the Pentium G2140 debuted at $100. At current prices ($15 vs $95), the Core i3-2125 is $80 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2125 delivers 138.8 pts/$ vs 22.0 pts/$ for the Pentium G2140 — making the Core i3-2125 the 145.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $134 | $100-25% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-84% | $95 |
| Performance per Dollar | 138.8+531% | 22.0 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2013 |
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