Core i3-3130M vs Pentium G2130

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 i3-3130M vs Pentium G2130 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 i3-3130M vs Pentium G2130: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3130M

2013

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 G2130 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,906 vs 1,915).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.5 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
❌830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.

Pentium G2130

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 201.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 8.5 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3130M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G2130 better than Core i3-3130M?

Yes. Pentium G2130 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G2130 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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, Pentium G2130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G2130 is the better buy right now. Pentium G2130 comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 201.4% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 8.5 PassMark/$), 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 G2130 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-3130M vs Pentium G2130 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3130M

The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G2130

The Pentium G2130 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 1,915 points. Launch price was $90.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3130M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2130's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G2130 — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Pentium G2130 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-3130M scores 1,906 against the Pentium G2130's 1,915 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G2130. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3130M vs 3072 kB (total) on the Pentium G2130.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G2130
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3072 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,906	1,915

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3130M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2130 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G2130
Socket	PGA988	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-3130M) / not specified (Pentium G2130). The Core i3-3130M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G2130 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G2130
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3130M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G2130 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($225 vs $75), Pentium G2130 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3130M delivers 8.5 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G2130 — making the Pentium G2130 the 100.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G2130
MSRP	$225	$75-67%
Performance per Dollar	8.5	25.5+200%
Release Date	2013	2013

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