Core i3-2102 vs Pentium Dual Core T3400

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 i3-2102 vs Pentium Dual Core T3400 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 i3-2102 vs Pentium Dual Core T3400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-2102

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, while Pentium Dual Core T3400 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Pentium Dual Core T3400.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Pentium Dual Core T3400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,026 vs 2,029).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2102 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2102.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2102 better than Pentium Dual Core T3400?

Yes. Core i3-2102 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% 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 i3-2102 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i3-2102 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 i3-2102 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2102 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2102 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2102 vs Pentium Dual Core T3400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2102

The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium Dual Core T3400

The Pentium Dual Core T3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.16 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,026 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2102 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 versus 2.16 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3400 — a 35.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102. The Core i3-2102 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2102 scores 2,029 against the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2,026 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-2102.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+44%	2.16 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	2,029	2,026
Geekbench 6 Single	515	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,082	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2102 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Socket	LGA1155	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-2102) / not specified (Pentium Dual Core T3400). The Core i3-2102 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Office Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2102 was priced at $117, while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($117 vs $0), Pentium Dual Core T3400 was $117 cheaper.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Pentium Dual Core T3400
MSRP	$117	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	17.3	—
Release Date	2011	2008

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