Core i7-2617M vs Pentium G3240T

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 i7-2617M vs Pentium G3240T 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 i7-2617M vs Pentium G3240T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2617M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 35W, a 18W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium G3240T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,687 vs 1,693).

Pentium G3240T

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i7-2617M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌105.9% higher power demand at 35W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2617M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3240T better than Core i7-2617M?

Yes. Pentium G3240T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% 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, Pentium G3240T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 G3240T 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 G3240T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3240T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (26.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G3240T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) 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 i7-2617M vs Pentium G3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2617M

The Core i7-2617M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,687 points. Launch price was $100.

Pentium G3240T

The Pentium G3240T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,693 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2617M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3240T's 2 cores. The Core i7-2617M is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-2617M scores 1,687 against the Pentium G3240T's 1,693 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G3240T. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2617M vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240T.

Feature	Core i7-2617M	Pentium G3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.7 GHz+80%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,687	1,693
Geekbench 6 Single	448	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2617M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3240T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2617M	Pentium G3240T
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2617M) / not specified (Pentium G3240T). The Core i7-2617M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium G3240T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2617M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-2617M rivals A6-3400M.