Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core i3-3240T

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 SP9400 vs Core i3-3240T 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 SP9400 vs Core i3-3240T: 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 SP9400

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,078 vs 2,083).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo SP9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core 2 Duo SP9400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240T is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SP9400 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core 2 Duo SP9400 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SP9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 i3-3240T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo SP9400 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3240T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo SP9400

The Core 2 Duo SP9400 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.

Core i3-3240T

The Core i3-3240T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SP9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9400. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9400	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3 GHz+25%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.9 GHz+21%
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB+2300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,083	2,078
Geekbench 6 Single	340	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3240T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9400	Core i3-3240T
Socket	BGA956	LGA1155
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400) / not specified (Core i3-3240T). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.