Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 Quad Q8400 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 Quad Q8400 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 Quad Q8400

2009

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-3240T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,076 vs 2,078).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.3 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($183 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $66 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 11.3 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Quad Q8400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core 2 Quad Q8400?

Yes. Core i3-3240T 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, 0.1% 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, Core i3-3240T 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, Core i3-3240T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 $66 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $183 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 56.6% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 11.3 PassMark/$), 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 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 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 Q8400 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Quad Q8400

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 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: 2,076 points. Launch price was $249.

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 Quad Q8400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3240T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 127% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 scores 2,076 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3240T. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8400	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.67 GHz	3 GHz+348%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.9 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,076	2,078
Cinebench R23 Multi	852	—
Geekbench 6 Single	369	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,155	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3240T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8400	Core i3-3240T
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3 1333 MHz	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core 2 Quad Q8400) / not specified (Core i3-3240T). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8400	Core i3-3240T
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 was priced at $183, while the Core i3-3240T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($183 vs $117), Core i3-3240T was $66 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q8400 delivers 11.3 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Core i3-3240T the 44.1% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q8400	Core i3-3240T
MSRP	$183	$117-36%
Performance per Dollar	11.3	17.8+58%
Release Date	2009	2012

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