Pentium G3258 vs Core i5-2450M
Pentium G3258
Core i5-2450M
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 i5-2450M is on rank 1100, 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 i5-2450M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3258 | Core i5-2450M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($72) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3258 | Core i5-2450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+211%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($72) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 i5-2450M
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 i5-2450M
The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 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: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.
Processing Power
The Pentium G3258 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2450M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Pentium G3258 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Pentium G3258 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2450M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G3258 scores 2,063 against the Core i5-2450M's 2,076 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2450M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i5-2450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+3% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 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 | Haswell (2013−2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,063 | 2,076 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 1,352 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 453 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 871 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G3258 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Pentium G3258 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2450M — the Core i5-2450M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G3258 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i5-2450M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+209715100% | 16 |
| 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 true (Core i5-2450M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Pentium G3258) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2450M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G3258 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i5-2450M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G3258 launched at $75 MSRP, while the Core i5-2450M debuted at $225.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core i5-2450M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $75-67% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $72 | — |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2012 |
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