Core i5-2430M vs Pentium G3420

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 G3420 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 G3420: 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

✅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 G3420 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,022).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 23.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium G3420

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $139 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 162.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.5 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌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 G3420 better than Core i5-2430M?

Yes. Pentium G3420 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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, Pentium G3420 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G3420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3420 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3420 comes in $139 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 162.5% better value on MSRP (23.5 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3420 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2430M vs Pentium G3420 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 G3420

The Pentium G3420 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 3.2 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: 2,022 points. Launch price was $252.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2430M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3420's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3420 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G3420 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-2430M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3420 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Pentium G3420's 2,022 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium G3420. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3420
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	2,022

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3420 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3420
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 G3420). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G3420 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3420
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 G3420 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($225 vs $86), Pentium G3420 was $139 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2430M delivers 9.0 pts/$ vs 23.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3420 — making the Pentium G3420 the 89.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium G3420
MSRP	$225	$86-62%
Performance per Dollar	9.0	23.5+161%
Release Date	2011	2013

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