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 i5-2450M vs Pentium G2140 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 i5-2450M vs Pentium G2140: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2450M

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (453 vs 550).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (871 vs 920).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G2140.

Pentium G2140

2013

Why buy it

✅+21.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $125 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 126.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.9 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i5-2450M.

Trade-offs

❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G2140 better than Core i5-2450M?

Yes. Pentium G2140 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, 5.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.8% higher 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 G2140 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, Pentium G2140 is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G2140 is the better buy right now. Pentium G2140 comes in $125 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 126.7% better value on MSRP (20.9 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 G2140 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) 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 i5-2450M vs Pentium G2140 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2450M

The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.

Pentium G2140

The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2140's 2 cores. The Core i5-2450M is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 0.8% lead for the Pentium G2140. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 453 vs 550, a 19.3% lead for the Pentium G2140 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 871 vs 920 (5.5% advantage for the Pentium G2140). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G2140
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.3 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	2,076	2,092
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,352	—
Geekbench 6 Single	453	550+21%
Geekbench 6 Multi	871	920+6%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G2140 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2450M versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium G2140 — the Pentium G2140 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G2140 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. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2450M) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G2140
Socket	PGA988	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	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: true (Core i5-2450M) vs VT-x (Pentium G2140). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2450M) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G2140) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G2140
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x
Target Use	—	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2450M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G2140 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($225 vs $100), Pentium G2140 was $125 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2450M delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 20.9 pts/$ for the Pentium G2140 — making the Pentium G2140 the 77.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G2140
MSRP	$225	$100-56%
Performance per Dollar	9.2	20.9+127%
Release Date	2012	2013

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