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Intel Pentium G2130

Intel Pentium G2130: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

April 2025

1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance

The Intel Pentium G2130, released in 2013, belongs to the Ivy Bridge generation (codename - Ivi Bridge). This is a dual-core CPU without Hyper-Threading support (2 cores / 2 threads), built on a 22nm process. Its base clock speed is 3.2 GHz, and it has a TDP of 55W.

Key Features:

- High single-threaded performance for its time (Geekbench 6 Single Core: 548).

- Energy efficiency: 55W TDP makes it suitable for compact systems.

- Integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 2500 (basic video support and simple tasks).

Limitations:

- No Turbo Boost and no support for AVX2.

- No unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

2. Compatible Motherboards

The Pentium G2130 uses the LGA 1155 socket. Compatible chipsets include:

- H61, B75, H77, Z75, Z77 (for example, ASUS P8B75-M, Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H).

Considerations in 2025:

- Most compatible boards are used, as new models have long been discontinued.

- Prices for new ones (if any remain available) range from $50-$80.

- Check for DDR3 support and availability of SATA III for SSDs.

3. Supported Memory

The processor works with DDR3-1333/1600 MHz.

- Maximum capacity: 32GB (depends on the motherboard).

- DDR4/DDR5 is not supported.

Sample Configuration:

2x4GB DDR3-1600 (cost in 2025 - $25-$35 for a used set, new modules are nearly unavailable).

4. Power Supply Recommendations

With a TDP of 55W and no discrete graphics card, a 300-400W PSU will suffice (for example, be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $45).

Scenarios with Graphics Card:

- For a GPU like NVIDIA GTX 1650 (TDP 75W), choose a PSU in the 450-500W range (Corsair CX550, $60).

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Low price: used processor costs $15-$25.

- Energy efficiency.

- Reliability for basic tasks.

Cons:

- Outdated platform (LGA 1155).

- No support for modern standards (PCIe 3.0, USB 3.1).

- Weak iGPU: not suitable for gaming or rendering.

6. Use Cases

Office Tasks:

- Working with documents, browsers (up to 10 tabs), Zoom.

Multimedia:

- Streaming video in 1080p (but 4K will be laggy without hardware decoding).

Gaming:

- Older games: CS:GO on low settings (~40-50 FPS), Minecraft.

- Emulators up to PS2 (PCSX2 with Speedhacks settings).

Practical Example:

A user built a PC with G2130 + 8GB DDR3 + 240GB SSD for a home theater. The system handles streaming video and light applications.

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD A8-5600K (2012):

- Pros: Better graphics (Radeon HD 7560D).

- Cons: Higher TDP (100W), weaker in single-threaded tests (Geekbench 6 Single Core: ~400).

Intel Celeron G5920 (2020):

- Pros: Supports DDR4, PCIe 3.0.

- Cons: Price ($50-$60 for new), similar performance in single-threaded tasks.

Conclusion: The G2130 wins in the budget segment for tasks where single-threaded speed is essential.

8. Assembly Tips

- SSD is a must: Kingston A400 240GB ($30) will speed up the system.

- Graphics Card: If gaming is needed, add a used GTX 1050 Ti ($50-$70).

- Cooling: The standard cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, consider Arctic Alpine 11 ($15).

- BIOS: Update the motherboard firmware for compatibility.

Warning: Avoid investing in an expensive graphics card — the processor will become a "bottleneck."

9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the G2130 Suitable For?

This processor is relevant for:

- Budget Builds: If you want to build a PC for $100-$150.

- Office PCs: For text work, spreadsheets, and video calls.

- Retro Enthusiasts: Building systems on older platforms.

Why in 2025?

The G2130 is a compromise between price and performance for low-demand tasks. However, it is not suitable for modern gaming, video editing, or AI work.

Alternative: If the budget allows, consider the Intel Pentium Gold G7400 ($70) — support for DDR4, PCIe 5.0, and better performance.

This article is relevant as of April 2025. Prices are indicated for new components, if they are available on the market.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Desktop

Launch Date

January 2013

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

G2130

Code Name

Ivi Bridge

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

3.20 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCLGA1155

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

22 nm

TDP

55 W

PCI Express Version

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

2.0

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

Intel 64

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Yes

PCI Express Configurations

PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.

up to 1x16 | 2x8 | 1x8 & 2x4

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

DDR3 1333/1600

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

32 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Bus Speed

5 GT/s

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

25.6 GB/s

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

Yes

GPU Specifications

GPU Name

Intel® HD Graphics for 3rd Generation Intel® Processors

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

1.05 GHz

Graphics Base Frequency

Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.

650 MHz

Number of Displays Supported

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Instruction Set Extensions

Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.

Yes

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

3 MB Intel® Smart Cache

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Intel Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel InTru 3D Technology

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

548

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

945

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

627

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

1177

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

1746

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

1921

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

Core i5-3475S

624 +13.9%

Core i5-3340S

583 +6.4%

Pentium G2130

548

FX-6330

508 -7.3%

Celeron 3965U

477 -13%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

Pentium Silver J5040

1180 +24.9%

A8-6500

1044 +10.5%

Pentium G2130

945

Core i5-3317U

841 -11%

Core i3-2350M

695 -26.5%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U

672 +7.2%

Xeon E5-2690 v4

651 +3.8%

Pentium G2130

627

3020e

605 -3.5%

FX-8100

583 -7%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Celeron G3930

1353 +15%

Celeron 7305E

1267 +7.6%

Pentium G2130

1177

FX-4150

1097 -6.8%

Core i3-3120ME

1037 -11.9%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Xeon E5-2630 v4

1791 +2.6%

Xeon E5-2630 v3

1767 +1.2%

Pentium G2130

1746

Core i7-4712HQ

1711 -2%

Core i5-6442EQ

1689 -3.3%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Core i5-2520M

2226 +15.9%

Core i5-2450M

2070 +7.8%

Pentium G2130

1921

Athlon 5350

1779 -7.4%

A8-3510MX

1614 -16%