Pentium G3250 vs Pentium G3420

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 G3250 vs Pentium G3420 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 G3250 vs Pentium G3420: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G3250

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,010 vs 2,022).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 23.5 PassMark/$ ($171 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium G3420

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $85 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $171 MSRP).
✅Delivers 100.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.5 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $171 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3420 better than Pentium G3250?

Yes. Pentium G3420 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% 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, Pentium G3420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3420 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3420 comes in $85 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $171 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.5 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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 G3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G3250 vs Pentium G3420 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G3420

The Pentium G3420 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 3.2 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: 2,022 points. Launch price was $252.

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Processing Power

Both the Pentium G3250 and Pentium G3420 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3250 versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3420 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Pentium G3250 scores 2,010 against the Pentium G3420's 2,022 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium G3420. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Pentium G3250	Pentium G3420
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 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	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,010	2,022

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Pentium G3250	Pentium G3420
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium G3250 was priced at $171, while the Pentium G3420 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($171 vs $86), Pentium G3420 was $85 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3250 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 23.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3420 — making the Pentium G3420 the 66.7% better value option.

Feature	Pentium G3250	Pentium G3420
MSRP	$171	$86-50%
Performance per Dollar	11.8	23.5+99%
Release Date	2014	2013

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