
Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G3240

Core 2 Quad Q8300

Pentium G3240
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Quad Q8300 is positioned at rank 985 and the Pentium G3240 is on rank 757, so the Pentium G3240 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q8300
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3240
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($126) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1152%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($126) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Quad Q8300 and Pentium G3240

Core 2 Quad Q8300
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,917 points. Launch price was $249.

Pentium G3240
The Pentium G3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,930 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium G3240 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8300 has 2 more cores. The Core 2 Quad Q8300 is built on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 scores 1,917 against the Pentium G3240's 1,930 — a 0.7% lead for the Pentium G3240. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.1 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (total) | — |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | — |
| PassMark | 1,917 | 1,930 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3240 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 launched at $179 MSRP, while the Pentium G3240 debuted at $89. At current prices ($10 vs $126), the Core 2 Quad Q8300 is $116 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q8300 delivers 191.7 pts/$ vs 15.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G3240 — making the Core 2 Quad Q8300 the 170.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Pentium G3240 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179 | $89-50% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-92% | $126 |
| Performance per Dollar | 191.7+1153% | 15.3 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2014 |
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