CPU
GPU
Pentium G3258
Core 2 Quad Q8400
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 G3258 is positioned at rank 632 and the Core 2 Quad Q8400 is on rank 975, so the Pentium G3258 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3258
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3258 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($72) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3258 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+77%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($72) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
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 G3258 and Core 2 Quad Q8400
Pentium G3258
The Pentium G3258 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,063 points. Launch price was $77.
Core 2 Quad Q8400
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Pentium G3258 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3258 versus 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — a 130.7% clock advantage for the Pentium G3258 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Pentium G3258 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G3258 scores 2,063 against the Core 2 Quad Q8400's 2,076 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8400. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3258 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8400.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+378% | 0.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+20% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4 MB (total)+1500% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,063 | 2,076 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 852 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 369 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,155 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G3258 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Pentium G3258 versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G3258 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Pentium G3258) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q8400) — the Pentium G3258 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3 1333 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Pentium G3258 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Pentium G3258) vs true (Core 2 Quad Q8400). The Pentium G3258 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G3258 targets Desktop, Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G3258 launched at $75 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 debuted at $183. At current prices ($72 vs $128), the Pentium G3258 is $56 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3258 delivers 28.7 pts/$ vs 16.2 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — making the Pentium G3258 the 55.4% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G3258 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $75-59% | $183 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $72-44% | $128 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.7+77% | 16.2 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2009 |
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