Pentium 2020M vs Pentium 3825U

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.

Pentium 2020M vs Pentium 3825U 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.

Pentium 2020M vs Pentium 3825U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 2020M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Pentium 3825U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Pentium 3825U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 3825U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,396 vs 1,412).
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium 2020M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 2020M better than Pentium 3825U?

Yes. Pentium 2020M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium 2020M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 2020M 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 2020M is the better buy right now. Pentium 2020M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $134 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 3825U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium 2020M vs Pentium 3825U Technical Specifications

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

Pentium 2020M

The Pentium 2020M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,412 points. Launch price was $134.

Pentium 3825U

The Pentium 3825U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,396 points. Launch price was $161.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium 2020M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Pentium 3825U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 2020M versus 1.9 GHz on the Pentium 3825U — a 23.3% clock advantage for the Pentium 2020M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Pentium 2020M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium 3825U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium 2020M scores 1,412 against the Pentium 3825U's 1,396 — a 1.1% lead for the Pentium 2020M. Both processors carry 2 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Pentium 2020M	Pentium 3825U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+26%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+26%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	1,412+1%	1,396
Geekbench 6 Single	391	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	667	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 2020M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium 3825U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium 2020M	Pentium 3825U
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Pentium 2020M) / not specified (Pentium 3825U). The Pentium 2020M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Pentium 3825U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium 2020M targets Budget.