Core i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium G3250

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 54W instead of 55W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,010 vs 2,014).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $171 MSRP, while Core i7-920XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-920XM better than Pentium G3250?

Yes. Core i7-920XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-920XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-920XM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-920XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $171 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3250 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-920XM vs Pentium G3250 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

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 i7-920XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium G3250 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3250 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-920XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G3250 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-920XM scores 2,014 against the Pentium G3250's 2,010 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-920XM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3250.

Feature	Core i7-920XM	Pentium G3250
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.2 GHz+60%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,014	2,010

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-920XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3250 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.