Core i3-3120M vs Pentium G3240T

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 i3-3120M vs Pentium G3240T 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 i3-3120M vs Pentium G3240T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3120M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium G3240T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Pentium G3240T

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,693 vs 1,709).
❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i3-3120M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3120M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3120M better than Pentium G3240T?

Yes. Core i3-3120M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3120M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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, Core i3-3120M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3120M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3120M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3240T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (26.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Pentium G3240T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3120M vs Pentium G3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3120M

The Core i3-3120M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,709 points. Launch price was $160.

Pentium G3240T

The Pentium G3240T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,693 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3120M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3240T's 2 cores. The Core i3-3120M is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Pentium G3240T's 1,693 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-3120M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240T.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Pentium G3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.7 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	1,709	1,693
Geekbench 6 Single	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	930	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3120M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3240T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Pentium G3240T
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) / not specified (Pentium G3240T). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.