Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs Pentium G3260

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 SL9400 vs Pentium G3260 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 SL9400 vs Pentium G3260: 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 SL9400

2008

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 53W, a 47W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 33.1 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $220 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 338.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.1 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,116 vs 2,144).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌783.3% higher power demand at 53W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo SL9400 better than Pentium G3260?

Yes. Core 2 Duo SL9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% 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 SL9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 SL9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo SL9400 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo SL9400 comes in 343.8% more expensive on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3260 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 338.0% better value on paper (33.1 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Pentium G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs Pentium G3260 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo SL9400

The Core 2 Duo SL9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,144 points. Launch price was $284.

Pentium G3260

The Pentium G3260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo SL9400 and Pentium G3260 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo SL9400 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SL9400 scores 2,144 against the Pentium G3260's 2,116 — a 1.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo SL9400. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Pentium G3260
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.86 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	3.3 GHz+77%
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	2,144+1%	2,116

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SL9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Pentium G3260
Socket	BGA956	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SL9400) / not specified (Pentium G3260). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9400 targets Mobile.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Pentium G3260
Integrated GPU	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Mobile	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo SL9400 was priced at $284, while the Pentium G3260 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($284 vs $64), Pentium G3260 was $220 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo SL9400 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 33.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G3260 — making the Pentium G3260 the 125.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9400	Pentium G3260
MSRP	$284	$64-77%
Performance per Dollar	7.5	33.1+341%
Release Date	2008	2015

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