CPU
GPU
Pentium G3240
Athlon II X3 455
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Pentium G3240 is positioned at rank 757 and the Athlon II X3 455 is on rank 750, so the Athlon II X3 455 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3240
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X3 455
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3240 | Athlon II X3 455 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($126) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Rana (2009−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3240 | Athlon II X3 455 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+743%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($126) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Pentium G3240 and Athlon II X3 455
Pentium G3240
The Pentium G3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,930 points. Launch price was $69.
Athlon II X3 455
The Athlon II X3 455 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 December 2010 (14 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,938 points. Launch price was $88.
Processing Power
The Pentium G3240 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon II X3 455 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Athlon II X3 455 has 1 more core. The Athlon II X3 455 is built on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3240 scores 1,930 against the Athlon II X3 455's 1,938 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon II X3 455. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240 vs 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 455.
| Feature | Pentium G3240 | Athlon II X3 455 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 3 / 3+50% |
| Boost Clock | — | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | — | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | — | Rana (2009−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,930 | 1,938 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G3240 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Athlon II X3 455 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Pentium G3240 | Athlon II X3 455 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G3240 launched at $89 MSRP, while the Athlon II X3 455 debuted at $88. At current prices ($126 vs $15), the Athlon II X3 455 is $111 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3240 delivers 15.3 pts/$ vs 129.2 pts/$ for the Athlon II X3 455 — making the Athlon II X3 455 the 157.6% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G3240 | Athlon II X3 455 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $89 | $88-1% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $126 | $15-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.3 | 129.2+744% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2010 |
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