Core i7-2640M vs Pentium G3470

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 i7-2640M vs Pentium G3470 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 i7-2640M vs Pentium G3470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 53W, a 18W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G3470 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,445 vs 2,448).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).

Pentium G3470

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $196 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 130.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌51.4% higher power demand at 53W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3470 better than Core i7-2640M?

Yes. Pentium G3470 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 G3470 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 G3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3470 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3470 comes in $196 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 130.9% better value on MSRP (16.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 G3470 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) 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 i7-2640M vs Pentium G3470 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

Pentium G3470

The Pentium G3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,448 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3470's 2 cores. The Core i7-2640M is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-2640M scores 2,445 against the Pentium G3470's 2,448 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium G3470. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3470.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Pentium G3470
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	2,445	2,448
Geekbench 6 Single	563	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,184	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3470 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Pentium G3470
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2640M) / not specified (Pentium G3470). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G3470 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Pentium G3470
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2640M was priced at $346, while the Pentium G3470 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($346 vs $150), Pentium G3470 was $196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2640M delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G3470 — making the Pentium G3470 the 79.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Pentium G3470
MSRP	$346	$150-57%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	16.3+130%
Release Date	2011	2015

Search Core i7-2640M on Amazon

Search Pentium G3470 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.