Intel Pentium G3250T

The Intel Pentium G3250T is a dual-core, dual-thread desktop processor built on Intel's Haswell architecture using a 22 nm process. It operates at a fixed base clock of 2.80 GHz with no boost capability, and carries a 35 W TDP. This analysis positions the chip against its nearest rivals using benchmark data, examines its single- and multi-thread characteristics, and outlines its platform requirements.

How It Compares

The Intel Core i3-3120M posts an average benchmark score of 531, which is effectively identical to the G3250T's 530 average, with a delta of -0.2%. This places the two chips in the same performance tier, despite the i3 being a mobile part with a different architecture generation. The data indicates that for general desktop workloads, the G3250T trades blows with this older dual-core i3, offering no clear advantage in either direction.

The AMD A10-4600M scores 532 on average, a delta of -0.3% relative to the G3250T. This AMD part is a quad-core accelerated processing unit, yet its average score is virtually indistinguishable from the Intel Pentium. The benchmark results suggest that the G3250T's higher per-core efficiency offsets the A10's additional cores in the weighted average, though the A10 may pull ahead in heavily threaded scenarios.

The AMD Athlon II X3 445 has an average score of 527, which is 0.5% lower than the G3250T. This Athlon is a triple-core desktop processor from an older architecture, and the data shows the Pentium edging it out by a small margin. The G3250T achieves this with fewer cores, reinforcing the conclusion that its Haswell cores deliver superior instructions per clock compared to the older AMD design.

The Intel Core i3-2330E averages 533, a delta of -0.5% versus the G3250T. This is another dual-core part, but from Intel's Sandy Bridge generation and aimed at embedded use. The near-zero delta indicates that the architectural improvements in Haswell roughly compensate for the lower base clock of the G3250T, resulting in a statistical tie across the benchmark suite.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The G3250T's benchmark results show a pronounced split between single- and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R20, the chip scores 91 points in single-core and 647 points in multi-core, yielding a multi-core to single-core ratio of roughly 7.1x. This is far below the theoretical 2x scaling expected from a perfect dual-core design, indicating significant overhead or thermal/power constraints when both cores are active.

In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 217 and the multi-core score is 1541, a ratio of about 7.1x again. The consistency of this ratio across both R20 and R23 suggests a fixed architectural limitation rather than a workload-specific anomaly. The data implies that the G3250T's second core adds approximately 40-50% performance over single-core operation, which is typical for a low-power dual-core without turbo boost.

For real workloads, this means the G3250T will feel responsive in single-threaded tasks like web browsing, office document editing, or light scripting, where its 91-217 single-core scores are adequate for daily use. However, any application that scales across multiple threads, such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or modern game engines, will expose the chip's limited parallel throughput. The 35 W TDP and lack of boost clock likely contribute to this behavior, as the processor cannot temporarily elevate power draw to push both cores harder.

Power and Thermals

The G3250T carries a 35 W thermal design power (TDP), which places it in the low-power segment of desktop processors. This TDP class is typically associated with small form factor systems, all-in-one PCs, or silent builds where heat dissipation is limited. The 22 nm Haswell process and 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die allow Intel to achieve this modest power envelope while still providing a base clock of 2.80 GHz.

For cooling, the data does not specify a bundled cooler or required thermal solution, but the 35 W TDP implies that a stock Intel cooler or a basic low-profile air cooler would be sufficient. Enthusiasts seeking near-silent operation could easily cool this chip with a passive heatsink or a large low-speed fan, as the heat output is minimal. The absence of a boost clock means the processor never exceeds its base power draw under load, simplifying thermal design.

The integrated graphics are listed as Intel HD (Haswell), which shares the same thermal package. This means any system using the G3250T without a discrete GPU will rely on the iGPU, and the combined CPU+GPU thermal load stays within the 35 W envelope. The data shows no overclocking support (multiplier is locked), so users cannot push the chip beyond its rated power draw without external clock generator manipulation, which is uncommon on this platform.

FAQ

Q: How does the G3250T compare to the Intel Core i3-3120M?

A: The average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the i3-3120M at 531 and the G3250T at 530, a delta of -0.2%. The G3250T matches this mobile i3 in overall performance.

Q: What is the multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The G3250T scores 1541 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, with a single-core score of 217 points. This indicates roughly 7.1x scaling between single and multi-threaded workloads.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK lists ECC memory support as false. The G3250T only supports non-ECC DDR3 memory.

Q: What socket does the G3250T use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1150, which is compatible with Haswell-generation desktop motherboards. The chip has 2 cores and 2 threads.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked. The base clock is fixed at 2.80 GHz with no boost clock available, so the processor operates at a constant frequency.

Q: How does it fare against the AMD Athlon II X3 445?

A: The G3250T scores 0.5% higher than the Athlon II X3 445 on average (530 vs 527). The Pentium achieves this with 2 cores versus the Athlon's 3 cores.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score for the G3250T is 530, placing it in the 10th percentile of all CPUs in the database. This percentile ranking indicates that the vast majority of processors outperform it, which is expected for a low-power dual-core part. The nearest rivals all cluster within a 0.5% delta of each other, forming a tight performance group.

Against the Intel Core i3-3120M (score 531, delta -0.2%), the G3250T is statistically tied. The 1-point difference in average score is within noise, suggesting that the Pentium's Haswell architecture compensates for its lack of Hyper-Threading and lower clock versus the older i3 mobile part. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the G3250T's 1541 score would be competitive with this i3, though the i3 may have a slight edge in single-threaded tasks.

The AMD A10-4600M (score 532, delta -0.3%) is similarly matched. The A10 is a quad-core processor, yet the G3250T's dual cores achieve nearly the same average score. This implies that the Pentium's per-core performance is substantially higher, as it needs only half the cores to match the A10's throughput. In Cinebench R20 single-core (91 points), the G3250T likely outperforms the A10's single-core result, which would explain the overall parity.

The AMD Athlon II X3 445 (score 527, delta 0.5%) is the only rival that the G3250T beats outright, albeit by a slim margin. The Athlon's three cores do not overcome the architectural advantage of Haswell, and the data shows the G3250T ahead by 3 average score points. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the G3250T's 155 points would be its weakest showing, but the average across all benchmarks still favors the Pentium.

The Intel Core i3-2330E (score 533, delta -0.5%) is the closest competitor, just 3 points ahead on average. This embedded i3 has two cores and four threads, which likely gives it a multi-thread advantage, but the G3250T's higher base clock (2.80 GHz vs the i3's unspecified lower clock) helps close the gap. The data shows no single benchmark where the G3250T decisively wins, but the overall picture is one of near-identical performance.

Platform and Compatibility

The G3250T uses Intel Socket 1150, which supports Haswell-generation processors. This socket was paired with Intel 8-series and 9-series chipsets, offering a mature platform with PCIe Gen 3 connectivity. The integrated graphics are Intel HD (Haswell), which provides basic display output without a discrete GPU.

Memory support is limited to DDR3 with a dual-channel memory bus. The FACT PACK does not specify a memory bandwidth figure, but dual-channel DDR3 is standard for this platform. ECC memory is not supported, so the G3250T is unsuitable for error-correcting workloads like server applications or critical data processing. The memory controller is integrated on the CPU die, as is typical for Haswell.

The PCIe Gen 3 support means the G3250T can drive a modern discrete graphics card, though its dual-core performance may bottleneck high-end GPUs in CPU-intensive games. The platform's upgrade path is limited to other Socket 1150 processors, which includes quad-core Haswell parts, but the G3250T's low-power nature suggests it is intended for basic builds rather than future-proofing.

The production status is listed as Active, and the release date is July 20, 2014. The process node is 22 nm with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The chip is a desktop market segment part with no launch MSRP provided. The locked multiplier and lack of boost clock mean the platform's overclocking features are irrelevant, and users should expect consistent, predictable performance at the rated 2.80 GHz across all workloads. The 35 W TDP makes it a candidate for compact cases with limited cooling, but the 10th percentile benchmark ranking indicates it is not a performance-oriented choice.