Pentium G3258 vs Core i3-2130
Pentium G3258
Core i3-2130
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 G3258 is positioned at rank 632 and the Core i3-2130 is on rank 899, so the Pentium G3258 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3258
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2130
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3258 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($72) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3258 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+91%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($72) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) |
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 G3258 and Core i3-2130
Pentium G3258
The Pentium G3258 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 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: 2,063 points. Launch price was $77.
Core i3-2130
The Core i3-2130 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.
Processing Power
The Pentium G3258 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2130's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Pentium G3258 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-2130 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G3258 scores 2,063 against the Core i3-2130's 2,067 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2130. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,063 | 2,067 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 505 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G3258 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2130 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 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 G3258 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Pentium G3258 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Pentium G3258) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2130). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Pentium G3258) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2130) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G3258 targets Desktop, Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G3258 launched at $75 MSRP, while the Core i3-2130 debuted at $138. At current prices ($72 vs $138), the Pentium G3258 is $66 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3258 delivers 28.7 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-2130 — making the Pentium G3258 the 62.7% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $75-46% | $138 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $72-48% | $138 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.7+91% | 15.0 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Pentium G3258 and Core i3-2130
