Core i3-3240T vs Pentium G3258

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 i3-3240T vs Pentium G3258 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 i3-3240T vs Pentium G3258: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 54W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 27.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G3258 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium G3258

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $42 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
✅Delivers 54.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.5 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Core i3-3240T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,063 vs 2,078).
❌54.3% higher power demand at 54W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3258 better than Core i3-3240T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G3258 is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3240T pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G3258 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3258 comes in $42 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-3240T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 54.9% better value on MSRP (27.5 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), 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 G3258 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3240T vs Pentium G3258 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G3258

The Pentium G3258 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,063 points. Launch price was $77.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3240T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3258's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G3258 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-3240T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G3258 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240T scores 2,078 against the Pentium G3258's 2,063 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3240T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Pentium G3258
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.2 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.2 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,078	2,063

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3258 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Pentium G3258
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240T) / VT-x (Pentium G3258). The Pentium G3258 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core i3-3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G3258 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Pentium G3258
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3240T was priced at $117, while the Pentium G3258 came in at $75. On launch pricing ($117 vs $75), Pentium G3258 was $42 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240T delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 27.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3258 — making the Pentium G3258 the 43.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3240T	Pentium G3258
MSRP	$117	$75-36%
Performance per Dollar	17.8	27.5+54%
Release Date	2012	2014

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