Core i3-4030U vs Pentium G3220

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 i3-4030U vs Pentium G3220 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 i3-4030U vs Pentium G3220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4030U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,876 vs 1,885).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 34.9 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $54 MSRP).
❌848.1% higher power demand at 512W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G3220 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium G3220

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $227 less on MSRP ($54 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 422.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 34.9 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($54 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 512W, a 458W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Core i3-4030U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3220 better than Core i3-4030U?

Yes. Pentium G3220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% 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, Pentium G3220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 G3220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3220 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3220 comes in $227 cheaper on MSRP at $54 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 422.9% better value on MSRP (34.9 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4030U 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 i3-4030U vs Pentium G3220 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4030U

The Core i3-4030U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $281.

Pentium G3220

The Pentium G3220 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,885 points. Launch price was $71.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4030U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3220's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4030U versus 3 GHz on the Pentium G3220 — a 44.9% clock advantage for the Pentium G3220 (base: 1.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4030U scores 1,876 against the Pentium G3220's 1,885 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G3220. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4030U vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3220.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Pentium G3220
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	3 GHz+58%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	3 GHz+58%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,876	1,885

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4030U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3220 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Pentium G3220
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-4030U) / VT-x (Pentium G3220). The Pentium G3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core i3-4030U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G3220 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Pentium G3220
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4030U was priced at $281, while the Pentium G3220 came in at $54. On launch pricing ($281 vs $54), Pentium G3220 was $227 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4030U delivers 6.7 pts/$ vs 34.9 pts/$ for the Pentium G3220 — making the Pentium G3220 the 135.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Pentium G3220
MSRP	$281	$54-81%
Performance per Dollar	6.7	34.9+421%
Release Date	2014	2013

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