Core i3-3130M vs Pentium G3450T

Intel

Core i3-3130M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G3450T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i3-3130M vs Pentium G3450T 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 i3-3130M vs Pentium G3450T 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 G3450T: 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

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.5 vs 25.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
  • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Pentium G3450T

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $150 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 199.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.4 vs 8.5 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,904 vs 1,906).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3450T better than Core i3-3130M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G3450T is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3130M 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 i3-3130M 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?
Pentium G3450T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3450T comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-3130M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 199.7% better value on MSRP (25.4 vs 8.5 PassMark/$), 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 G3450T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3130M vs Pentium G3450T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Pentium G3450T

The Pentium G3450T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 1,904 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i3-3130M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3450T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G3450T — a 10.9% clock advantage for the Pentium G3450T (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-3130M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G3450T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3130M scores 1,906 against the Pentium G3450T's 1,904 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3130M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-3130MPentium G3450T
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.9 GHz+12%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.9 GHz+12%
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
1,904
Geekbench 6 Single
614
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3130M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3450T 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 H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Pentium G3450T).

FeatureCore i3-3130MPentium G3450T
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
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-3130M) vs Yes (Pentium G3450T). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3130M) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G3450T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.

FeatureCore i3-3130MPentium G3450T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
Yes
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3130M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3450T came in at $75. On launch pricing ($225 vs $75), Pentium G3450T was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3130M delivers 8.5 pts/$ vs 25.4 pts/$ for the Pentium G3450T — making the Pentium G3450T the 99.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-3130MPentium G3450T
MSRP
$225
$75-67%
Performance per Dollar
8.5
25.4+199%
Release Date
2013
2014

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