Core i3-2370M vs Pentium G640

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 G640 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 G640: 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

✅+0.1% 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 G640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 21.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G640

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $161 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 251.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.4 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,369 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 G640?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G640 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 0.1% 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 0.1% 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 251.6% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Pentium G640 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 251.3% better value on paper (21.4 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), 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 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 G640 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G640

The Pentium G640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,369 points. Launch price was $179.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2370M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G640's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-2370M versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G640 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Pentium G640 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.8 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 G640's 1,369 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-2370M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium G640
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.8 GHz+17%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.8 GHz+17%
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	1,369
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 G640 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium G640
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 G640). The Core i3-2370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2370M targets Laptop.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium G640
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 G640 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($225 vs $64), Pentium G640 was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2370M delivers 6.1 pts/$ vs 21.4 pts/$ for the Pentium G640 — making the Pentium G640 the 111.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2370M	Pentium G640
MSRP	$225	$64-72%
Performance per Dollar	6.1	21.4+251%
Release Date	2012	2012

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