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.

Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2130

#927

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

134%

#928

Pentium G850

MSRP: $86|Avg: $75

133%

#929

Ryzen 3 2200GE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

132%

#930

Pentium III 1200

MSRP: $200|Avg: $10

130%

#931

Pentium G3470

MSRP: $150|Avg: $130

126%

#932

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

121%

#933

Athlon XP 2700+

MSRP: $349|Avg: $20

120%

#934

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

120%

#935

Core i7-4770TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $303

111%

#936

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

110%

#937

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

110%

#938

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

109%

#939

Core i5-660

MSRP: $196|Avg: $150

109%

#940

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

108%

#941

Pentium G3240

MSRP: $89|Avg: $126

102%

#942

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

100%

#943

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

98%

#944

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

97%

#945

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

97%

#946

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

97%

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

96%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

95%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

95%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

95%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

94%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

94%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

92%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

91%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

91%

#956

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

90%

#957

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-2130 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2130 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2130 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,067, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 505.

Specification	Core i3-2130
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,067
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	505

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2130 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 2000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-2130
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 2000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,B65,H67,P67,Z68,Q67,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-2130 is primarily designed for Mainstream Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G860.

Specification	Core i3-2130
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mainstream Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium G860

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-2130 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i3-2130
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $138, the Core i3-2130 delivers 15 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2557 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-2130
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$138
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$138
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$123
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2557
Release DateLaunch date	4 September 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$123
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	4 September 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2557

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	131 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.4 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.4 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	73 °C