Question 1

would i need to buy an external video card to see video? or does it come with onboard video? im gonna use a MSI B85M-G43 Motherboard for my build. I wasnt planning on buying a external video card but i will if i have to.

Accepted Answer

You don't need to buy a dedicated GPU if you pair the G3258 with an  MSI B85M-G43 but just make sure that your display device (e.g. a monitor) has the right connection (e.g. HDMI).

Question 2

Is cooling fan included in package?

Accepted Answer

The Heatsink/Fan is included with all Intel retail box processors.  This processor includes a premium copper core HSF usually only included with higher end quad core processors.

Question 3

I am considering the G3258. I was curious about the cpu fan noise. I currently have a 2130 Pentium and the fan noise is pretty loud at wakeup. Any info would be great. How loud is this one? Thanks.

Accepted Answer

First, it depends whether you overclock the CPU. Higher you overclock, more the heat and faster the CPU fan, thus more noise.
To my experience, it is quiet on stock frequency.

Second, it depends on if your MB support the intelligent CPU speed control (Of course, almost all MBs today would support).  If yes, it would be very quiet at low temperature.

Third, it depends on your load. If you keep using CPU at 100% load , the fan would speed up and more noise.

Question 4

can I run memory speeds of 1600 or mere ?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. The integrated memory controller doesn't care, the spec just says 1333 but intel cpu's have a much higher tolerance for memory speeds up to 3000 mhz. The key is not to exceed 1.65 volts on your ram. It's easier just to buy nice ram and load XMP profile.

Question 5

Is this compatible with a micro atx motherboard?

Accepted Answer

It's compatible with Intel's 8 and 9 series chipsets. There are plenty of micro atx flavors of those. I have this in a mini itx z97 and I love it. Great performance for the price.

Question 6

Will this processor along with AS Rock H97M PRO LGA 1150 MB fit in a Dell Optiplex 780 Box?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately those older Dells use a BTX motherboard as opposed to ATX.  I actually have one of these 780s.  It also has a proprietary front panel connector and the I/O shield is part of the back panel.  To change this would mean some metal work as in changing the rear panel to make it ATX compatible.  I asume that this is a build on a budget ( my g3258 was)  so I would recomend the NZXT phantom 240.  Awesome style for good price.  I have my g32#58 build in a phantom 410 and wish that I had gotten the 240 instead.  Hope this helps.  Newegg has there's listed under NZXT ca-ph-240 when I typed this.  I am probibly going to get this case just because it is so  cool.  And itgives me an excuse tobuild another machine.

Question 7

does this come with heatsink adhesive?

Accepted Answer

It comes with a fan that has heat sink adhesive on the part that touches the CPU. If you plan on buying a custom cpu fan, you'll need to make sureservations that fan had adhesive on it already, or buy a tube.

Question 8

what generation is this?

Accepted Answer

The G3258 is the 4th generation Haswell refresh pentium.

Question 9

Can this be use as a HTPC? Pair it with a Radeon 7450?

Accepted Answer

I think it would be an excellent option for a HTPC. I'm not using mine in that sense, but I built a HTPC in the past. This is a cool running chip, so the fan can be nice and quiet. I have mine pared with a 6770, and it does Blu-Ray just fine, so the 7450 should be good I think.

Question 10

Does this come integrated with a graphics card? or do i need to buy an dedicated graphics card?

Accepted Answer

It has integrated graphics. For more power to play games you will want to go with a dedicated GPU. A 750ti would work perfectly.

Processor Graphics ‡  Intel® HD Graphics 
Graphics Base Frequency  350 MHz 
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency  1.1 GHz 
Graphics Video Max Memory  1.7 GB 
Intel® Quick Sync Video 
  
 Yes 
Intel® Clear Video HD Technology  No 
# of Displays Supported ‡  3

Questions & Answers