CPU
GPU
Core i5-3230M
Pentium G4400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3230M is positioned at rank 30 and the Pentium G4400 is on rank 499, so the Core i5-3230M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3230M
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G4400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3230M | Pentium G4400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($13) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3230M | Pentium G4400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+555%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($13) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3230M and Pentium G4400
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.
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 | — |
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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3230M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Pentium G4400 debuted at $64. At current prices ($13 vs $85), the Core i5-3230M is $72 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3230M delivers 197.3 pts/$ vs 30.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G4400 — making the Core i5-3230M the 147% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3230M | Pentium G4400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $64-72% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $13-85% | $85 |
| Performance per Dollar | 197.3+555% | 30.1 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2015 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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