CPU
GPU
Pentium G3430
Pentium G3260
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 G3430 is positioned at rank 829 and the Pentium G3260 is on rank 556, so the Pentium G3260 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3430
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G3260
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G3430 | Pentium G3260 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($21) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G3430 | Pentium G3260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+42%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($21) |
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 G3430 and Pentium G3260
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Pentium G3430 and Pentium G3260 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Pentium G3430 is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3430 scores 2,127 against the Pentium G3260's 2,116 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium G3430. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3430 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.
| Feature | Pentium G3430 | Pentium G3260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | — |
| PassMark | 2,127 | 2,116 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Pentium G3430 | Pentium G3260 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G3430 launched at $116 MSRP, while the Pentium G3260 debuted at $64. At current prices ($30 vs $21), the Pentium G3260 is $9 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3430 delivers 70.9 pts/$ vs 100.8 pts/$ for the Pentium G3260 — making the Pentium G3260 the 34.8% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G3430 | Pentium G3260 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $116 | $64-45% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $21-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 70.9 | 100.8+42% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2015 |
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