Core i3-4030U vs Pentium G3260T

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 i3-4030U vs Pentium G3260T 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 i3-4030U vs Pentium G3260T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4030U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,876 vs 1,878).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Pentium G3260T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Pentium G3260T

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3260T better than Core i3-4030U?

Yes. Pentium G3260T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% 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, Pentium G3260T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, Pentium G3260T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3260T is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Pentium G3260T comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-4030U only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.3% in the shared gaming data.

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

Pentium G3260T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4030U vs Pentium G3260T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4030U

The Core i3-4030U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $281.

Pentium G3260T

The Pentium G3260T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,878 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-4030U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3260T's 2 cores. The Core i3-4030U is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-4030U scores 1,876 against the Pentium G3260T's 1,878 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium G3260T. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Pentium G3260T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.9 GHz+53%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	—
PassMark	1,876	1,878

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4030U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3260T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.