Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M

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

❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,026 vs 2,035).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2435M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2435M better than Pentium Dual Core T3400?

Yes. Core i5-2435M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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, Core i5-2435M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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 i5-2435M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2435M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-2435M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-2435M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2435M vs Pentium Dual Core T3400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2435M

The Core i5-2435M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 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: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,035 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 i5-2435M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-2435M versus 2.16 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3400 — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2435M. The Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M scores 2,035 against the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2,026 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2435M.

Feature	Core i5-2435M	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	2,035	2,026
Geekbench 6 Single	525	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,025	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2435M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2435M	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Socket	BGA1023	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2435M) / not specified (Pentium Dual Core T3400). The Core i5-2435M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2435M targets Legacy Laptop.