Core i5-655K vs Pentium G3250

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 i5-655K vs Pentium G3250 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 i5-655K vs Pentium G3250: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Pentium G3250 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($216 MSRP vs $171 MSRP).
❌35.2% higher power demand at 73W vs 54W.

Pentium G3250

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $45 less on MSRP ($171 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Delivers 25.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($171 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 73W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,010 vs 2,017).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-655K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-655K better than Pentium G3250?

Yes. Core i5-655K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-655K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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, Core i5-655K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i5-655K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-655K comes in 26.3% more expensive on MSRP at $216 MSRP versus $171 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3250 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 25.9% better value on paper (11.8 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), 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 G3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-655K vs Pentium G3250 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-655K

The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium G3250

The Pentium G3250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 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: 2,010 points. Launch price was $171.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-655K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3250's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3250 — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3250 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Pentium G3250's 2,010 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-655K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3250.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium G3250
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+8%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,017	2,010
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3250 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium G3250
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i5-655K) / not specified (Pentium G3250). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Pentium G3250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium G3250
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-655K was priced at $216, while the Pentium G3250 came in at $171. On launch pricing ($216 vs $171), Pentium G3250 was $45 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-655K delivers 9.3 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Pentium G3250 — making the Pentium G3250 the 22.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium G3250
MSRP	$216	$171-21%
Performance per Dollar	9.3	11.8+27%
Release Date	2010	2014

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