CPU
GPU
Core i3-2130
Pentium G3258
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 i3-2130 is positioned at rank 899 and the Pentium G3258 is on rank 632, so the Pentium G3258 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2130
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3258
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2130 | Pentium G3258 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) | ✅ More affordable ($72) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2130 | Pentium G3258 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+91%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) | ✅ More affordable ($72) |
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 i3-2130 and Pentium G3258
Core i3-2130
The Core i3-2130 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.
Pentium G3258
The Pentium G3258 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,063 points. Launch price was $77.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2130 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3258's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-2130 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3258 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2130 scores 2,067 against the Pentium G3258's 2,063 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2130. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Pentium G3258 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 2,067 | 2,063 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 505 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2130 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3258 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. 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.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Pentium G3258 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Pentium G3258 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2130) vs VT-x (Pentium G3258). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2130) and HD Graphics (Pentium G3258) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop, Pentium G3258 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Pentium G3258 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2130 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Pentium G3258 debuted at $75. At current prices ($138 vs $72), the Pentium G3258 is $66 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2130 delivers 15.0 pts/$ vs 28.7 pts/$ for the Pentium G3258 — making the Pentium G3258 the 62.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Pentium G3258 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $75-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $138 | $72-48% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.0 | 28.7+91% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2014 |
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