Core i3-2130 vs Pentium P6000

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 i3-2130 vs Pentium P6000 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 i3-2130 vs Pentium P6000: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2130

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $12 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅Delivers 9.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.0 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Pentium P6000 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Pentium P6000

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-2130 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,051 vs 2,067).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.7 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2130 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2130.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2130 better than Pentium P6000?

Yes. Core i3-2130 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% 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, Core i3-2130 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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, Core i3-2130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2130 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2130 comes in $12 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.5% better value on MSRP (15.0 vs 13.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2130 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2130 vs Pentium P6000 Technical Specifications

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

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 P6000

The Pentium P6000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.88 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,051 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2130 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium P6000's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 versus 1.88 GHz on the Pentium P6000 — a 57.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i3-2130 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium P6000 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2130 scores 2,067 against the Pentium P6000's 2,051 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2130. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Pentium P6000
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+81%	1.88 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+83%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,067	2,051
Geekbench 6 Single	505	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2130 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium P6000 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Pentium P6000
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
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, EPT (Core i3-2130) / not specified (Pentium P6000). The Core i3-2130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Pentium P6000 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Pentium P6000
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2130 was priced at $138, while the Pentium P6000 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($138 vs $150), Core i3-2130 was $12 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2130 delivers 15.0 pts/$ vs 13.7 pts/$ for the Pentium P6000 — making the Core i3-2130 the 9.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2130	Pentium P6000
MSRP	$138-8%	$150
Performance per Dollar	15.0+9%	13.7
Release Date	2011	2010

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