Pentium G3240 vs Phenom II X4 X920 BE

Intel

Pentium G3240

2 Cores2 Thrd53 WW2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 X920 BE

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Pentium G3240 vs Phenom II X4 X920 BE 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 Phenom II X4 X920 BE 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 Phenom II X4 X920 BE: 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 (1,930 vs 1,935).
    • Launch MSRP is still $89 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 X920 BE mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 2550% higher power demand at 53W vs 2W.

    Phenom II X4 X920 BE

    2010

    Why buy it

    • Draws 2W instead of 53W, a 51W reduction.

    Trade-offs

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

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom II X4 X920 BE better than Pentium G3240?
    Yes. Phenom II X4 X920 BE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 X920 BE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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, Phenom II X4 X920 BE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom II X4 X920 BE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X4 X920 BE comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $89 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3240 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Pentium G3240 vs Phenom II X4 X920 BE 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.

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 X920 BE

    The Phenom II X4 X920 BE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,935 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Pentium G3240 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 X920 BE offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 X920 BE has 2 more cores. The Phenom II X4 X920 BE is built on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3240 scores 1,930 against the Phenom II X4 X920 BE's 1,935 — a 0.3% lead for the Phenom II X4 X920 BE.

    FeaturePentium G3240Phenom II X4 X920 BE
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.3 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    L2 Cache
    2 MB
    Process
    22 nm-51%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Champlain (2010−2011)
    PassMark
    1,930
    1,935
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium G3240 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 X920 BE uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium G3240Phenom II X4 X920 BE
    Socket
    LGA1150
    S1
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0