Core i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 5000, while Pentium G3260 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌866% higher power demand at 512W vs 53W.

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 53W instead of 512W, a 459W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,116 vs 2,144).
❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i5-4250U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4250U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4250U better than Pentium G3260?

Yes. Core i5-4250U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4250U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 i5-4250U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4250U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4250U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3260 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (33.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4250U vs Pentium G3260 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4250U

The Core i5-4250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 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: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,144 points. Launch price was $430.

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 i5-4250U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3260's 2 cores. The Core i5-4250U is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-4250U scores 2,144 against the Pentium G3260's 2,116 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-4250U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4250U vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Core i5-4250U	Pentium G3260
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	3.3 GHz+154%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	—
PassMark	2,144+1%	2,116
Geekbench 6 Single	770	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,450	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4250U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4250U	Pentium G3260
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4250U) / not specified (Pentium G3260). The Core i5-4250U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 5000), while the Pentium G3260 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4250U targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-4250U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.