Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Pentium G3440

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.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Pentium G3440 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Pentium G3440: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Duo E8700

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $256 MSRP, while Pentium G3440 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌20.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 54W.

Pentium G3440

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 54W instead of 65W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,202 vs 2,212).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8700 better than Pentium G3440?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E8700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $256 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3440 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Pentium G3440 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 2 Duo E8700

The Core 2 Duo E8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 points. Launch price was $249.

Pentium G3440

The Pentium G3440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 2,202 points. Launch price was $95.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E8700 and Pentium G3440 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8700 versus 3.3 GHz on the Pentium G3440 — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8700 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G3440 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8700 scores 2,212 against the Pentium G3440's 2,202 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8700.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8700	Pentium G3440
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+2300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,212	2,202

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3440 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.