Core i3-3130M vs Pentium G3420T

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 G3420T 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 G3420T: 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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,906 vs 1,912).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.5 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G3420T.

Pentium G3420T

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 200.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 8.5 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-3130M.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3420T better than Core i3-3130M?

Yes. Pentium G3420T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3420T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.0% 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 G3420T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3420T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3420T comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 200.9% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 8.5 PassMark/$), 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 G3420T 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 G3420T 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 G3420T

The Pentium G3420T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,912 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3130M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3420T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium G3420T — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Pentium G3420T (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-3130M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G3420T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3130M scores 1,906 against the Pentium G3420T's 1,912 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium G3420T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G3420T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	2.7 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.7 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,906	1,912

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3130M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3420T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3130M) and LGA1150 (Pentium G3420T).

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G3420T
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-3130M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Pentium G3420T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3130M) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G3420T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G3420T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3130M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3420T came in at $75. On launch pricing ($225 vs $75), Pentium G3420T 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 G3420T — making the Pentium G3420T the 100.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Pentium G3420T
MSRP	$225	$75-67%
Performance per Dollar	8.5	25.5+200%
Release Date	2013	2013

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