Core i3-2370M vs Pentium G630

Intel

Core i3-2370M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G630

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i3-2370M vs Pentium G630 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i3-2370M vs Pentium G630 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 i3-2370M vs Pentium G630: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2370M

2012

Why buy it

  • +1.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G630 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Pentium G630

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $150 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 196.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,354 vs 1,370).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2370M better than Pentium G630?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G630 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 i3-2370M pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2370M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-2370M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-2370M comes in 200.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. Pentium G630 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 196.5% better value on paper (18.1 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-2370M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) 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 i3-2370M vs Pentium G630 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-2370M

The Core i3-2370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,370 points. Launch price was $225.

Intel

Pentium G630

The Pentium G630 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 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 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: 1,354 points. Launch price was $100.

Processing Power

The Core i3-2370M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G630's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-2370M versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium G630 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Pentium G630 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2370M scores 1,370 against the Pentium G630's 1,354 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-2370M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-2370MPentium G630
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz
2.7 GHz+13%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.7 GHz+13%
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)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,370+1%
1,354
Geekbench 6 Single
412
Geekbench 6 Multi
711
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2370M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G630 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-2370MPentium G630
Socket
PGA988
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
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 i3-2370M) / not specified (Pentium G630). The Core i3-2370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G630 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2370M targets Laptop.

FeatureCore i3-2370MPentium G630
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Laptop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2370M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G630 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($225 vs $75), Pentium G630 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2370M delivers 6.1 pts/$ vs 18.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G630 — making the Pentium G630 the 99.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-2370MPentium G630
MSRP
$225
$75-67%
Performance per Dollar
6.1
18.1+197%
Release Date
2012
2011

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