Core 2 Duo T6400 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 T6400 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 T6400 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 T6400

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 53W, a 51W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,115 vs 2,116).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T6400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2550% higher power demand at 53W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3260 better than Core 2 Duo T6400?

Yes. Pentium G3260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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, Pentium G3260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Pentium G3260 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3260 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (33.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T6400 vs Pentium G3260 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T6400

The Core 2 Duo T6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,115 points. Launch price was $249.

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 T6400 and Pentium G3260 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo T6400 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6400 scores 2,115 against the Pentium G3260's 2,116 — a 0% lead for the Pentium G3260. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6400 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6400	Pentium G3260
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2 GHz	—
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.3 GHz+65%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	3 MB+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	2,115	2,116
Geekbench 6 Single	650	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,300	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.