Pentium G3260 vs Pentium G3430

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 G3260 vs Pentium G3430 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 G3260 vs Pentium G3430: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $52 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $116 MSRP).
✅Delivers 80.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.1 vs 18.3 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $116 MSRP).
✅Draws 53W instead of 54W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,116 vs 2,127).

Pentium G3430

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.3 vs 33.1 PassMark/$ ($116 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3430 better than Pentium G3260?

Yes. Pentium G3430 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3430 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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, Pentium G3430 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Pentium G3430 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium G3430 comes in 81.3% more expensive on MSRP at $116 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3260 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 80.3% better value on paper (33.1 vs 18.3 PassMark/$), 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 G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G3260 vs Pentium G3430 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium G3260

The Pentium G3260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium G3430

The Pentium G3430 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 2,127 points. Launch price was $116.

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Processing Power

Both the Pentium G3260 and Pentium G3430 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Pentium G3430 is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3260 scores 2,116 against the Pentium G3430's 2,127 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G3430. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Pentium G3260 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3430.

Feature	Pentium G3260	Pentium G3430
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	—	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,116	2,127

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Pentium G3260	Pentium G3430
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium G3260 was priced at $64, while the Pentium G3430 came in at $116. On launch pricing ($64 vs $116), Pentium G3260 was $52 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3260 delivers 33.1 pts/$ vs 18.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G3430 — making the Pentium G3260 the 57.3% better value option.

Feature	Pentium G3260	Pentium G3430
MSRP	$64-45%	$116
Performance per Dollar	33.1+81%	18.3
Release Date	2015	2013

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