Core i3-2357M vs Pentium G2010

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 G2010 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 G2010: 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

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 17W instead of 55W, 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 G2010 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Pentium G2010

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,641 vs 1,645).
❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i3-2357M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌223.5% higher power demand at 55W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G2010 better than Core i3-2357M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G2010 is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2357M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G2010 is the better buy right now. Pentium G2010 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2357M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G2010 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2357M vs Pentium G2010 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 G2010

The Pentium G2010 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,641 points. Launch price was $466.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2357M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2010's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G2010 — a 73.2% clock advantage for the Pentium G2010 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-2357M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G2010 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2357M scores 1,645 against the Pentium G2010's 1,641 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2357M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M vs 3072 kB (total) on the Pentium G2010.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Pentium G2010
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz	2.8 GHz+115%
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	2.8 GHz+115%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3072 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,645	1,641
Cinebench R23 Multi	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	440	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2357M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G2010 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Pentium G2010
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
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 G2010). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G2010 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.