Pentium G3240 vs Pentium G3420T

Intel

Pentium G3240

2 Cores2 Thrd53 WW2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G3420T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Pentium G3240 vs Pentium G3420T 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 G3240 vs Pentium G3420T 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 G3240 vs Pentium G3420T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G3240

2014

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.7 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($89 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
    • 51.4% higher power demand at 53W vs 35W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Pentium G3420T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G3420T.

    Pentium G3420T

    2013

    Why buy it

    • Costs $14 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
    • Delivers 17.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
    • Draws 35W instead of 53W, a 18W reduction.
    • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
    • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Pentium G3240 needs a discrete GPU.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,912 vs 1,930).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium G3240 better than Pentium G3420T?
    Yes. Pentium G3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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 G3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 G3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium G3240 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium G3240 comes in 18.7% more expensive on MSRP at $89 MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3420T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 17.6% better value on paper (25.5 vs 21.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium G3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Pentium G3240 vs Pentium G3420T Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    Intel

    Pentium G3420T

    The Pentium G3420T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,912 points. Launch price was $75.

    Processing Power

    Both the Pentium G3240 and Pentium G3420T share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Pentium G3420T is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3240 scores 1,930 against the Pentium G3420T's 1,912 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium G3240. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3420T.

    FeaturePentium G3240Pentium G3420T
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.7 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.1 GHz+15%
    2.7 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    22 nm
    22 nm
    Architecture
    Haswell (2013−2015)
    PassMark
    1,930
    1,912
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

    FeaturePentium G3240Pentium G3420T
    Socket
    LGA1150
    LGA1150
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1600
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Pentium G3240) / VT-x, VT-d (Pentium G3420T). The Pentium G3420T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Pentium G3240 requires a dedicated GPU.

    FeaturePentium G3240Pentium G3420T
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Pentium G3240 was priced at $89, while the Pentium G3420T came in at $75. On launch pricing ($89 vs $75), Pentium G3420T was $14 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3240 delivers 21.7 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3420T — making the Pentium G3420T the 16.1% better value option.

    FeaturePentium G3240Pentium G3420T
    MSRP
    $89
    $75-16%
    Performance per Dollar
    21.7
    25.5+18%
    Release Date
    2014
    2013

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