CPU
GPU
Pentium G2120
Pentium G3220
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 Pentium G3220 is on rank 543, so the Pentium G3220 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 Pentium G3220
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G3220 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G3220 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+34%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Pentium G3220
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.
Pentium G3220
The Pentium G3220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 1,885 points. Launch price was $71.
Processing Power
Both the Pentium G2120 and Pentium G3220 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Pentium G2120 versus 3 GHz on the Pentium G3220 — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Pentium G2120 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Pentium G2120 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G3220 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G2120 scores 1,876 against the Pentium G3220's 1,885 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G3220. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G3220 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,876 | 1,885 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G2120 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3220 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G3220 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) (Pentium G2120) and HD Graphics (Pentium G3220) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2120 targets Desktop, Pentium G3220 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G3220 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) | HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G2120 launched at $86 MSRP, while the Pentium G3220 debuted at $54. At current prices ($20 vs $15), the Pentium G3220 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G2120 delivers 93.8 pts/$ vs 125.7 pts/$ for the Pentium G3220 — making the Pentium G3220 the 29% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G3220 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $86 | $54-37% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20 | $15-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 93.8 | 125.7+34% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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