Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G3240

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 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G3240 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 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G3240: 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 Quad Q8300

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,917 vs 1,930).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.7 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($179 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
❌79.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 53W.

Pentium G3240

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $90 less on MSRP ($89 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).
✅Delivers 102.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.7 vs 10.7 PassMark/$ ($89 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).
✅Draws 53W instead of 95W, a 42W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3240 better than Core 2 Quad Q8300?

Yes. Pentium G3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 G3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 G3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3240 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3240 comes in $90 cheaper on MSRP at $89 MSRP versus $179 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 102.5% better value on MSRP (21.7 vs 10.7 PassMark/$), 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 G3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Pentium G3240 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 was priced at $179, while the Pentium G3240 came in at $89. On launch pricing ($179 vs $89), Pentium G3240 was $90 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q8300 delivers 10.7 pts/$ vs 21.7 pts/$ for the Pentium G3240 — making the Pentium G3240 the 67.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8300	Pentium G3240
MSRP	$179	$89-50%
Performance per Dollar	10.7	21.7+103%
Release Date	2008	2014

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