Core i5-2430M vs Pentium G3250

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 i5-2430M vs Pentium G3250 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 i5-2430M vs Pentium G3250: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 54W, a 19W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G3250 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $171 MSRP).

Pentium G3250

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $54 less on MSRP ($171 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($171 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,010 vs 2,015).
❌54.3% higher power demand at 54W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2430M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3250 better than Core i5-2430M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G3250 is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2430M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2430M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G3250 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3250 comes in $54 cheaper on MSRP at $171 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2430M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 31.3% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2430M vs Pentium G3250 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G3250

The Pentium G3250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 2,010 points. Launch price was $171.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2430M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3250's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3250 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G3250 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-2430M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3250 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Pentium G3250's 2,010 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2430M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3250
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.2 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.2 GHz+33%
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	2,015	2,010

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3250 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3250
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2430M) / not specified (Pentium G3250). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G3250 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3250
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2430M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3250 came in at $171. On launch pricing ($225 vs $171), Pentium G3250 was $54 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2430M delivers 9.0 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Pentium G3250 — making the Pentium G3250 the 27% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3250
MSRP	$225	$171-24%
Performance per Dollar	9.0	11.8+31%
Release Date	2011	2014

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