Core i5-655K 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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium Dual Core T3400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,017 vs 2,026).
❌Launch MSRP is still $216 MSRP, while Pentium Dual Core T3400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌7200% higher power demand at 73W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 1W instead of 73W, a 72W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-655K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium Dual Core T3400 better than Core i5-655K?

Yes. Pentium Dual Core T3400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium Dual Core T3400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 Dual Core T3400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium Dual Core T3400 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium Dual Core T3400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $216 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-655K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i5-655K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-655K vs Pentium Dual Core T3400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-655K

The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i5-655K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 2.16 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3400 — a 46.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K. The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2,026 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T3400.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+60%	2.16 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	2,017	2,026
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Socket	LGA1156	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 (Core i5-655K) / not specified (Pentium Dual Core T3400). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-655K was priced at $216, while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($216 vs $0), Pentium Dual Core T3400 was $216 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Pentium Dual Core T3400
MSRP	$216	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	9.3	—
Release Date	2010	2008

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