Core i5-3230M vs Pentium G4400

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 i5-3230M vs Pentium G4400 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 i5-3230M vs Pentium G4400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3230M

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium G4400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.4 vs 40.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).
❌848.1% higher power demand at 512W vs 54W.

Pentium G4400

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $161 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 251.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 40.0 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 512W, a 458W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,562 vs 2,565).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3230M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G4400 better than Core i5-3230M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G4400 is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3230M pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3230M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G4400 is the better buy right now. Pentium G4400 comes in $161 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3230M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 251.2% better value on MSRP (40.0 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), 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 G4400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3230M vs Pentium G4400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3230M

The Core i5-3230M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,565 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G4400

The Pentium G4400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,562 points. Launch price was $64.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3230M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G4400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M versus 3.3 GHz on the Pentium G4400 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Pentium G4400 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-3230M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G4400 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3230M scores 2,565 against the Pentium G4400's 2,562 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3230M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3230M vs 3 MB on the Pentium G4400.

Feature	Core i5-3230M	Pentium G4400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.3 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	2,565	2,562
Geekbench 6 Single	565	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,128	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3230M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G4400 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3230M	Pentium G4400
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3230M) / not specified (Pentium G4400). The Core i5-3230M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G4400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

Feature	Core i5-3230M	Pentium G4400
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3230M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G4400 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($225 vs $64), Pentium G4400 was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3230M delivers 11.4 pts/$ vs 40.0 pts/$ for the Pentium G4400 — making the Pentium G4400 the 111.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3230M	Pentium G4400
MSRP	$225	$64-72%
Performance per Dollar	11.4	40.0+251%
Release Date	2013	2015

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