Core i3-3240 vs Pentium G4400T

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 i3-3240 vs Pentium G4400T 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 i3-3240 vs Pentium G4400T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 36.3 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Pentium G4400T

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $68 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
✅Delivers 103.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.3 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,323 vs 2,352).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Pentium G4400T?

Yes. Core i3-3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 i3-3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3240 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3240 comes in 106.3% more expensive on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G4400T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 103.7% better value on paper (36.3 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G4400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3240 vs Pentium G4400T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

Pentium G4400T

The Pentium G4400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,323 points. Launch price was $64.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3240 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G4400T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G4400T — a 15.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G4400T uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Pentium G4400T's 2,323 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-3240. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G4400T.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Pentium G4400T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	2,352+1%	2,323

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G4400T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Pentium G4400T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3240 was priced at $132, while the Pentium G4400T came in at $64. On launch pricing ($132 vs $64), Pentium G4400T was $68 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 36.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G4400T — making the Pentium G4400T the 68.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Pentium G4400T
MSRP	$132	$64-52%
Performance per Dollar	17.8	36.3+104%
Release Date	2012	2015

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