Core i3-4120U vs Pentium G3240

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 i3-4120U vs Pentium G3240 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 i3-4120U vs Pentium G3240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4120U

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Pentium G3240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌866% higher power demand at 512W vs 53W.

Pentium G3240

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 53W instead of 512W, a 459W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,930 vs 1,948).
❌Launch MSRP is still $89 MSRP, while Core i3-4120U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4120U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4120U better than Pentium G3240?

Yes. Core i3-4120U 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, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4120U 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, Core i3-4120U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4120U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-4120U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $89 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3240 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i3-4120U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4120U vs Pentium G3240 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4120U

The Core i3-4120U 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 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 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: 1,948 points. Launch price was $281.

Pentium G3240

The Pentium G3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,930 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4120U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3240's 2 cores. The Core i3-4120U is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-4120U scores 1,948 against the Pentium G3240's 1,930 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-4120U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4120U vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Pentium G3240
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2 GHz	—
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.1 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	—
PassMark	1,948	1,930
Geekbench 6 Single	462	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,071	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4120U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3240 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Pentium G3240
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-4120U) / not specified (Pentium G3240). The Core i3-4120U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Pentium G3240 requires a dedicated GPU.