Core i5-2380P vs Pentium G4600

Intel

Core i5-2380P

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G4600

2 Cores4 Thrd51 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i5-2380P vs Pentium G4600 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-2380P vs Pentium G4600 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 i5-2380P vs Pentium G4600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2380P

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium G4600.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 44.3 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $82 MSRP).
  • 86.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 51W.

Pentium G4600

2017

Why buy it

  • Costs $95 less on MSRP ($82 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
  • Delivers 115.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.3 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($82 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
  • Draws 51W instead of 95W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,629 vs 3,636).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2380P.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G4600 better than Core i5-2380P?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G4600 is ahead with a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2380P pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i5-2380P also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2380P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium G4600 is the better buy right now. Pentium G4600 comes in $95 cheaper on MSRP at $82 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2380P is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 115.4% better value on MSRP (44.3 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 G4600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2380P vs Pentium G4600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-2380P

The Core i5-2380P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,636 points. Launch price was $180.

Intel

Pentium G4600

The Pentium G4600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133/2400, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,629 points. Launch price was $87.

Processing Power

The Core i5-2380P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G4600 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2380P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2380P versus 3.6 GHz on the Pentium G4600 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Pentium G4600 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-2380P uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G4600 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2380P scores 3,636 against the Pentium G4600's 3,629 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2380P. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2380P vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G4600.

FeatureCore i5-2380PPentium G4600
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.6 GHz+16%
L3 Cache
6144 kB (total)+100%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
3,636
3,629
Geekbench 6 Single
624
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2380P uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G4600 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-2380PPentium G4600
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2380P) / not specified (Pentium G4600). Primary use case: Core i5-2380P targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2380P rivals FX-4100.

FeatureCore i5-2380PPentium G4600
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2380P was priced at $177, while the Pentium G4600 came in at $82. On launch pricing ($177 vs $82), Pentium G4600 was $95 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2380P delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 44.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G4600 — making the Pentium G4600 the 73.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2380PPentium G4600
MSRP
$177
$82-54%
Performance per Dollar
20.5
44.3+116%
Release Date
2012
2017

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