Pentium Dual Core T3400 vs Phenom II X4 905e

Intel

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.16 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 905e

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Pentium Dual Core T3400 vs Phenom II X4 905e Performance Spectrum

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.

Pentium Dual Core T3400 vs Phenom II X4 905e 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.

Pentium Dual Core T3400 vs Phenom II X4 905e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium Dual Core T3400

2008

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Phenom II X4 905e

2009

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium Dual Core T3400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,026).
    • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium Dual Core T3400 better than Phenom II X4 905e?
    Yes. Pentium Dual Core T3400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% 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 4.7% 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 0.6% 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 a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Phenom II X4 905e 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.

    Pentium Dual Core T3400 vs Phenom II X4 905e Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 905e

    The Phenom II X4 905e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $212.

    Processing Power

    The Pentium Dual Core T3400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 905e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 905e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.16 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3400 versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom II X4 905e — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 905e. The Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture (65 nm), while the Phenom II X4 905e uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium Dual Core T3400 scores 2,026 against the Phenom II X4 905e's 2,014 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T3400.

    FeaturePentium Dual Core T3400Phenom II X4 905e
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.16 GHz
    2.5 GHz+16%
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz
    L3 Cache
    6 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1 MB+100%
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    65 nm
    45 nm-31%
    Architecture
    NetBurst (2000−2006)
    Deneb (2009−2011)
    PassMark
    2,026
    2,014
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium Dual Core T3400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom II X4 905e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium Dual Core T3400Phenom II X4 905e
    Socket
    PGA478
    AM3
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%