Core i5-3317U vs Pentium G3420

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 i5-3317U vs Pentium G3420 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 i5-3317U vs Pentium G3420: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3317U

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium G3420 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,022).
❌848.1% higher power demand at 512W vs 54W.

Pentium G3420

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 54W instead of 512W, a 458W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i5-3317U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3317U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3420 better than Core i5-3317U?

Yes. Pentium G3420 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better 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 G3420 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 G3420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3420 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3420 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3420 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 i5-3317U vs Pentium G3420 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3317U

The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G3420

The Pentium G3420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 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: 2,022 points. Launch price was $252.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3317U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3420's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3420 — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Pentium G3420 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-3317U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G3420 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3317U scores 2,014 against the Pentium G3420's 2,022 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G3420. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3317U	Pentium G3420
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+88%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,014	2,022

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3317U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3420 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3317U	Pentium G3420
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3317U) / not specified (Pentium G3420). The Core i5-3317U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G3420 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.