Core i5-3337U vs Pentium G3260

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 G3260 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 G3260: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium G3260 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,093 vs 2,116).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 33.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).
❌866% higher power demand at 512W vs 53W.

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $161 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 255.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.1 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 53W instead of 512W, a 459W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3337U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3260 better than Core i5-3337U?

Yes. Pentium G3260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 G3260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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, Pentium G3260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3260 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3260 comes in $161 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 255.4% better value on MSRP (33.1 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), 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 G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013) 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 i5-3337U vs Pentium G3260 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G3260

The Pentium G3260 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. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3337U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3260'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 G3260's 2,116 — a 1.1% lead for the Pentium G3260. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Pentium G3260
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
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	2,093	2,116+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3337U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Pentium G3260
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 i5-3337U) / not specified (Pentium G3260). The Core i5-3337U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G3260 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Pentium G3260
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3337U was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3260 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($225 vs $64), Pentium G3260 was $161 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3337U delivers 9.3 pts/$ vs 33.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G3260 — making the Pentium G3260 the 112.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Pentium G3260
MSRP	$225	$64-72%
Performance per Dollar	9.3	33.1+256%
Release Date	2013	2015

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