Core i3-370M vs Pentium A1020

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 i3-370M vs Pentium A1020 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 i3-370M vs Pentium A1020: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-370M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Pentium A1020 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌5020% higher power demand at 512W vs 10W.

Pentium A1020

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 512W, a 502W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,167 vs 1,170).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i3-370M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium A1020 better than Core i3-370M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium A1020 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 i3-370M pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i3-370M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-370M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Pentium A1020 is the better buy right now. Pentium A1020 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-370M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 A1020 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-370M vs Pentium A1020 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-370M

The Core i3-370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,170 points. Launch price was $245.

Pentium A1020

The Pentium A1020 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.41 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,167 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-370M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium A1020 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium A1020 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-370M versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium A1020 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Pentium A1020 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.41 GHz). The Core i3-370M is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-370M scores 1,170 against the Pentium A1020's 1,167 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-370M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-370M vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium A1020.

Feature	Core i3-370M	Pentium A1020
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+13%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.41 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,170	1,167
Geekbench 6 Single	315	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	700	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-370M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium A1020 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-370M	Pentium A1020
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-370M) / not specified (Pentium A1020). The Core i3-370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Pentium A1020 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-370M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-370M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.