CPU
GPU
Phenom X3 8450
Pentium Dual Core T4300
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 Phenom X3 8450 is positioned at rank 1023 and the Pentium Dual Core T4300 is on rank 1127, so the Phenom X3 8450 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X3 8450
Performance Per Dollar Pentium Dual Core T4300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X3 8450 | Pentium Dual Core T4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($147) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Toliman (2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (NetBurst (2000−2006) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X3 8450 | Pentium Dual Core T4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($147) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
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 Phenom X3 8450 and Pentium Dual Core T4300
Phenom X3 8450
The Phenom X3 8450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,221 points. Launch price was $149.
Pentium Dual Core T4300
The Pentium Dual Core T4300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,232 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Phenom X3 8450 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Pentium Dual Core T4300 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Phenom X3 8450 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8450 versus 2.1 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T4300 — identical boost frequencies. The Phenom X3 8450 uses the Toliman (2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T4300 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X3 8450 scores 1,221 against the Pentium Dual Core T4300's 1,232 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T4300. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8450 vs 0 kB on the Pentium Dual Core T4300.
| Feature | Phenom X3 8450 | Pentium Dual Core T4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3+50% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Toliman (2008) | NetBurst (2000−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,221 | 1,232 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X3 8450 uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Dual Core T4300 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom X3 8450 | Pentium Dual Core T4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | P |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Phenom X3 8450) / No VT-x (Pentium Dual Core T4300). Primary use case: Pentium Dual Core T4300 targets Mobile.
| Feature | Phenom X3 8450 | Pentium Dual Core T4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | No VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Phenom X3 8450 launched at $145 MSRP, while the Pentium Dual Core T4300 debuted at $150. At current prices ($147 vs $99), the Pentium Dual Core T4300 is $48 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom X3 8450 delivers 8.3 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Pentium Dual Core T4300 — making the Pentium Dual Core T4300 the 39.9% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom X3 8450 | Pentium Dual Core T4300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $145-3% | $150 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $147 | $99-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 8.3 | 12.4+49% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2009 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Phenom X3 8450 and Pentium Dual Core T4300
