Core i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium Dual Core T3400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,026).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Pentium Dual Core T3400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2430M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2430M better than Pentium Dual Core T3400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2430M is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T3400 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T3400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i5-2430M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2430M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Pentium Dual Core T3400 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2430M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2430M vs Pentium Dual Core T3400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i5-2430M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 2.16 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3400 — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2430M. The Core i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2,026 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T3400.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3 GHz+39%	2.16 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	2,015	2,026

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Socket	PGA988	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2430M) / not specified (Pentium Dual Core T3400). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2430M was priced at $225, while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($225 vs $0), Pentium Dual Core T3400 was $225 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Pentium Dual Core T3400
MSRP	$225	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	9.0	—
Release Date	2011	2008

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