Core i3-3250 vs Pentium G3470

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 i3-3250 vs Pentium G3470 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 i3-3250 vs Pentium G3470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3250

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $12 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅Delivers 9.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Pentium G3470

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 53W instead of 55W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,448 vs 2,460).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.3 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3250 better than Pentium G3470?

Yes. Core i3-3250 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% 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, Core i3-3250 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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, Core i3-3250 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3250 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3250 comes in $12 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.2% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 16.3 PassMark/$), 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 G3470 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250 vs Pentium G3470 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3250

The Core i3-3250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $138.

Pentium G3470

The Pentium G3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,448 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3250 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3470's 2 cores. The Core i3-3250 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3250 scores 2,460 against the Pentium G3470's 2,448 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-3250. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3470.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Pentium G3470
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	2,460	2,448

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3470 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Pentium G3470
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3250 was priced at $138, while the Pentium G3470 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($138 vs $150), Core i3-3250 was $12 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3250 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G3470 — making the Core i3-3250 the 8.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Pentium G3470
MSRP	$138-8%	$150
Performance per Dollar	17.8+9%	16.3
Release Date	2013	2015

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