CPU
GPU
Pentium G2120
Core i5-2510E
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Pentium G2120 is positioned at rank 753 and the Core i5-2510E is on rank 1131, so the Pentium G2120 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G2120
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2510E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G2120 | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G2120 | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+49%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Pentium G2120 and Core i5-2510E
Pentium G2120
The Pentium G2120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $88.
Core i5-2510E
The Core i5-2510E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,884 points. Launch price was $266.
Processing Power
The Pentium G2120 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2510E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Pentium G2120 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2510E — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Pentium G2120 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2510E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G2120 scores 1,876 against the Core i5-2510E's 1,884 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2510E. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+24% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,876 | 1,884 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 527 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G2120 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2510E uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Pentium G2120 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Pentium G2120) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2510E). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) (Pentium G2120) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2510E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2120 targets Desktop, Core i5-2510E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2510E rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G2120 launched at $86 MSRP, while the Core i5-2510E debuted at $230. At current prices ($20 vs $30), the Pentium G2120 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G2120 delivers 93.8 pts/$ vs 62.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-2510E — making the Pentium G2120 the 39.6% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Core i5-2510E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $86-63% | $230 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-33% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 93.8+49% | 62.8 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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