Core i3-3240T vs Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core i3-3240T
Core 2 Duo SP9400
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 i3-3240T is positioned at rank 851 and the Core 2 Duo SP9400 is on rank 631, so the Core 2 Duo SP9400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240T
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($8) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($8) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-3240T and Core 2 Duo SP9400
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.
Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3240T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T versus 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-3240T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240T scores 2,078 against the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2,083 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9400. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+25% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+21% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,078 | 2,083 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 340 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3240T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240T) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| IGPU Model | — | GMA X4500HD |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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