Core i3-2330E vs Pentium G3250T

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 i3-2330E vs Pentium G3250T 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 i3-2330E vs Pentium G3250T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2330E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G3250T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.1 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G3250T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $161 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 250.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,818 vs 1,823).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3250T better than Core i3-2330E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G3250T is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2330E pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2330E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G3250T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3250T comes in $161 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2330E is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 250.6% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 8.1 PassMark/$), 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 G3250T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2330E vs Pentium G3250T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2330E

The Core i3-2330E 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,823 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G3250T

The Pentium G3250T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,818 points. Launch price was $46.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2330E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3250T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330E versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G3250T — a 24% clock advantage for the Pentium G3250T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-2330E uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3250T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2330E scores 1,823 against the Pentium G3250T's 1,818 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2330E. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Pentium G3250T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,823	1,818

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2330E uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3250T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Pentium G3250T
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-2330E) / not specified (Pentium G3250T). The Core i3-2330E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G3250T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2330E targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Pentium G3250T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Embedded	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2330E was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3250T came in at $64. On launch pricing ($225 vs $64), Pentium G3250T was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2330E delivers 8.1 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Pentium G3250T — making the Pentium G3250T the 111.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Pentium G3250T
MSRP	$225	$64-72%
Performance per Dollar	8.1	28.4+251%
Release Date	2011	2014

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