Core i3-3217U vs Pentium G645T

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 i3-3217U vs Pentium G645T 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 i3-3217U vs Pentium G645T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3217U

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 G645T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,226 vs 1,238).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Pentium G645T

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i3-3217U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3217U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G645T better than Core i3-3217U?

Yes. Pentium G645T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G645T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 G645T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G645T is the better buy right now. Pentium G645T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G645T is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-3217U vs Pentium G645T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3217U

The Core i3-3217U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G645T

The Pentium G645T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,238 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3217U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G645T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core i3-3217U versus 2.5 GHz on the Pentium G645T — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Pentium G645T (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-3217U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G645T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3217U scores 1,226 against the Pentium G645T's 1,238 — a 1% lead for the Pentium G645T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3217U	Pentium G645T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	2.5 GHz+39%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.5 GHz+39%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,226	1,238

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3217U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G645T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3217U	Pentium G645T
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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 i3-3217U) / not specified (Pentium G645T). The Core i3-3217U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G645T requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M.