Core i5-3337U vs Pentium G2140

Intel

Core i5-3337U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G2140

2 Cores2 Thrd55 WW2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-3337U vs Pentium G2140 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-3337U vs Pentium G2140 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 i5-3337U vs Pentium G2140: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3337U

2013

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
    • 830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G2140.

    Pentium G2140

    2013

    Why buy it

    • Costs $125 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
    • Delivers 124.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.9 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
    • Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.
    • Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i5-3337U.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (2,092 vs 2,093).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i5-3337U better than Pentium G2140?
    Yes. Core i5-3337U 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, 0% 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, Core i5-3337U 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 i5-3337U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i5-3337U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3337U comes in 125.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G2140 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 124.9% better value on paper (20.9 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i5-3337U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i5-3337U vs Pentium G2140 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core i5-3337U

    The Core i5-3337U 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 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: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.

    Intel

    Pentium G2140

    The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-3337U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2140's 2 cores. The Core i5-3337U is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3337U scores 2,093 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-3337U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.

    FeatureCore i5-3337UPentium G2140
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.7 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.8 GHz
    3.3 GHz+83%
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)
    3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    Process
    22 nm
    22 nm
    Architecture
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    PassMark
    2,093
    2,092
    Geekbench 6 Single
    550
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    920
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-3337U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2140 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3337U) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).

    FeatureCore i5-3337UPentium G2140
    Socket
    BGA1023
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    1600
    DDR3-1600
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3337U) vs VT-x (Pentium G2140). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3337U) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G2140) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M.

    FeatureCore i5-3337UPentium G2140
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Intel HD Graphics
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    true
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Legacy Desktop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i5-3337U was priced at $225, while the Pentium G2140 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($225 vs $100), Pentium G2140 was $125 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3337U delivers 9.3 pts/$ vs 20.9 pts/$ for the Pentium G2140 — making the Pentium G2140 the 76.9% better value option.

    FeatureCore i5-3337UPentium G2140
    MSRP
    $225
    $100-56%
    Performance per Dollar
    9.3
    20.9+125%
    Release Date
    2013
    2013

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