Core i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,026).
❌5400% higher power demand at 55W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 55W, a 54W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium Dual Core T3400 better than Core i7-920XM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-920XM is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T3400 pulls ahead with 0.6% 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 0.6% 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 still makes the most sense overall. Pentium Dual Core T3400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark.

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

Core i7-920XM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-920XM vs Pentium Dual Core T3400 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

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 i7-920XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM versus 2.16 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3400 — a 38.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM. The Core i7-920XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-920XM scores 2,014 against the Pentium Dual Core T3400's 2,026 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T3400.

Feature	Core i7-920XM	Pentium Dual Core T3400
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+48%	2.16 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	2,014	2,026

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-920XM 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.