Core i5-655K vs Pentium Dual Core T3400
Core i5-655K
Pentium Dual Core T3400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-655K is positioned at rank #1004 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-655K
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-655K | Pentium Dual Core T3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($55) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($89) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (NetBurst (2000−2006) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-655K | Pentium Dual Core T3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+61%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($55) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($89) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-655K and Pentium Dual Core T3400
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.
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 | — |
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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-655K launched at $216 MSRP, while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 debuted at $0. At current prices ($55 vs $89), the Core i5-655K is $34 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-655K delivers 36.7 pts/$ vs 22.8 pts/$ for the Pentium Dual Core T3400 — making the Core i5-655K the 46.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-655K | Pentium Dual Core T3400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $216 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $55-38% | $89 |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.7+61% | 22.8 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2008 |
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