Core i5-2450M vs Pentium G3258

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 G3258 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 G3258: 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

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 54W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 27.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Pentium G3258

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 198.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.5 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,063 vs 2,076).
❌54.3% higher power demand at 54W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3258 better than Core i5-2450M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G3258 is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2450M pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2450M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G3258 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3258 comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2450M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 198.1% better value on MSRP (27.5 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 G3258 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2450M vs Pentium G3258 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 G3258

The Pentium G3258 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 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: 2,063 points. Launch price was $77.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3258's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Pentium G3258 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-2450M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3258 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Pentium G3258's 2,063 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2450M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G3258
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
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	2,076	2,063
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,352	—
Geekbench 6 Single	453	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	871	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3258 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. The Pentium G3258 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 i5-2450M	Pentium G3258
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	DDR3-1333
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

Only the Pentium G3258 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2450M) vs VT-x (Pentium G3258). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2450M) and HD Graphics (Pentium G3258) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G3258 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G3258
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2450M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3258 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($225 vs $75), Pentium G3258 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2450M delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 27.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3258 — making the Pentium G3258 the 99.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2450M	Pentium G3258
MSRP	$225	$75-67%
Performance per Dollar	9.2	27.5+199%
Release Date	2012	2014

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