Core i3-2357M vs Pentium 967

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 i3-2357M vs Pentium 967 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 i3-2357M vs Pentium 967: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium 967 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium 967

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,640 vs 1,645).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Core i3-2357M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2357M better than Pentium 967?

Yes. Core i3-2357M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.3% better PassMark and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2357M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-2357M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-2357M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% higher PassMark. Pentium 967 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Core i3-2357M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB) 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 i3-2357M vs Pentium 967 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M 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 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

Pentium 967

The Pentium 967 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,640 points. Launch price was $134.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2357M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 967's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M versus 1.3 GHz on the Pentium 967 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.3 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2357M scores 1,645 against the Pentium 967's 1,640 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2357M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 967.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Pentium 967
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,645	1,640
Cinebench R23 Multi	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	440	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1023 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Pentium 967
Socket	BGA1023	BGA1023
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 i3-2357M) / not specified (Pentium 967). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium 967 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.