Core i5-2515E vs Pentium G3260T

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 i5-2515E vs Pentium G3260T 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 i5-2515E vs Pentium G3260T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2515E

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G3260T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium G3260T

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,878 vs 1,882).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2515E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2515E better than Pentium G3260T?

Yes. Core i5-2515E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2515E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 i5-2515E 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?

Core i5-2515E still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-2515E comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3260T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2515E vs Pentium G3260T Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2515E

The Core i5-2515E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.

Pentium G3260T

The Pentium G3260T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,878 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2515E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3260T's 2 cores. The Core i5-2515E is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-2515E scores 1,882 against the Pentium G3260T's 1,878 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2515E. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2515E vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260T.

Feature	Core i5-2515E	Pentium G3260T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,882	1,878
Geekbench 6 Single	530	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2515E uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3260T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2515E	Pentium G3260T
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2515E) / not specified (Pentium G3260T). The Core i5-2515E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G3260T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2515E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.