Core i3-2330M vs Pentium G6950

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 i3-2330M vs Pentium G6950 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 i3-2330M vs Pentium G6950: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G6950 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,252).

Pentium G6950

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $87 MSRP, while Core i3-2330M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G6950 better than Core i3-2330M?

Yes. Pentium G6950 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 and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G6950 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 G6950 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 G6950 is the better buy right now. Pentium G6950 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $87 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2330M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2330M vs Pentium G6950 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2330M

The Core i3-2330M 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: 1,248 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G6950

The Pentium G6950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) 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 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,252 points. Launch price was $60.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2330M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G6950's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G6950 — a 24% clock advantage for the Pentium G6950 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-2330M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G6950 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2330M scores 1,248 against the Pentium G6950's 1,252 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium G6950. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2330M	Pentium G6950
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	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,248	1,252

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2330M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G6950 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2330M	Pentium G6950
Socket	PGA988	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-2330M) / not specified (Pentium G6950). The Core i3-2330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G6950 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.