Pentium G2140 vs Core i3-2125
Pentium G2140
Core i3-2125
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 G2140 is positioned at rank 775 and the Core i3-2125 is on rank 892, so the Pentium G2140 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G2140
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2125
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G2140 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G2140 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+530%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) | ✅ 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 G2140 and Core i3-2125
Pentium G2140
The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-2125
The Core i3-2125 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.
Processing Power
The Pentium G2140 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2125's 2 cores. The Core i3-2125 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G2140 scores 2,092 against the Core i3-2125's 2,082 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G2140. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 550 vs 499, a 9.7% lead for the Pentium G2140 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2125.
| Feature | Pentium G2140 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | — | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | — | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,092 | 2,082 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 550+10% | 499 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 920 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. 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. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75 (Pentium G2140) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B65,Q65,Q67,B75,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2125).
| Feature | Pentium G2140 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| 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. Virtualization support: VT-x (Pentium G2140) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2125). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G2140) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2125) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.
| Feature | Pentium G2140 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G2140 launched at $100 MSRP, while the Core i3-2125 debuted at $134. At current prices ($95 vs $15), the Core i3-2125 is $80 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G2140 delivers 22.0 pts/$ vs 138.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-2125 — making the Core i3-2125 the 145.2% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G2140 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100-25% | $134 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95 | $15-84% |
| Performance per Dollar | 22.0 | 138.8+531% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2011 |
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