Core i5-2415M vs Pentium G3420T

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 i5-2415M vs Pentium G3420T 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 i5-2415M vs Pentium G3420T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2415M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G3420T.

Pentium G3420T

2013

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-2415M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,912 vs 1,933).
❌Launch MSRP is still $75 MSRP, while Core i5-2415M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2415M better than Pentium G3420T?

Yes. Core i5-2415M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2415M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i5-2415M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2415M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2415M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3420T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

Pentium G3420T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2415M vs Pentium G3420T Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2415M

The Core i5-2415M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,933 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G3420T

The Pentium G3420T 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,912 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2415M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3420T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2415M versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium G3420T — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2415M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-2415M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3420T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2415M scores 1,933 against the Pentium G3420T's 1,912 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2415M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2415M	Pentium G3420T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+7%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.7 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,933+1%	1,912

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2415M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3420T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2415M versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium G3420T — the Pentium G3420T supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G3420T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-2415M	Pentium G3420T
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-2415M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Pentium G3420T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2415M) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G3420T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2415M targets Mobile.