What To Know
- The Intel Pentium G3250 is based on the Haswell microarchitecture, while the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 is based on the Penryn microarchitecture.
- The following benchmarks provide a quantitative comparison of the performance of the Intel Pentium G3250 and Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400.
- If you need a processor for more demanding applications like video editing, gaming, or multitasking, the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 is a better option.
When it comes to budget-friendly computing, the Intel Pentium G3250 and Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 are two popular options. Both processors offer solid performance for everyday tasks, but there are key differences that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the specifications, features, and benchmarks of these two processors to help you make an informed choice.
Specifications
| Feature | Intel Pentium G3250 | Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1150 | LGA 775 |
| Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Threads | 2 | 4 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.2 GHz | 2.66 GHz |
| Turbo Boost | No | Yes (up to 3.0 GHz) |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 4 MB |
| TDP | 53W | 95W |
Architecture and Performance
The Intel Pentium G3250 is based on the Haswell microarchitecture, while the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 is based on the Penryn microarchitecture. The newer Haswell architecture offers improvements in power efficiency and overall performance.
In terms of raw performance, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has an advantage with its four cores and four threads. This makes it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the Pentium G3250’s higher base clock speed gives it an edge in single-threaded tasks.
Features
The Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports several features that are not present on the Pentium G3250. These include:
- Virtualization Technology (VT-x): Allows multiple virtual machines to run simultaneously on the same physical processor.
- Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX): Improves performance of vector-intensive calculations.
- Enhanced SpeedStep Technology: Dynamically adjusts the processor’s clock speed to conserve power.
Benchmarks
The following benchmarks provide a quantitative comparison of the performance of the Intel Pentium G3250 and Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400:
- PassMark Single Thread: Pentium G3250: 1,200; Core 2 Quad Q8400: 900
- PassMark Multi Thread: Pentium G3250: 2,400; Core 2 Quad Q8400: 3,600
- Cinebench R15 Single Core: Pentium G3250: 110; Core 2 Quad Q8400: 85
- Cinebench R15 Multi Core: Pentium G3250: 220; Core 2 Quad Q8400: 340
As these benchmarks show, the Core 2 Quad Q8400 generally outperforms the Pentium G3250 in both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications.
Power Consumption
The Intel Pentium G3250 has a lower TDP of 53W compared to the Core 2 Quad Q8400’s 95W TDP. This means that the Pentium G3250 will consume less power, resulting in lower operating costs over time.
Overclocking
Neither the Intel Pentium G3250 nor the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 is officially supported for overclocking. However, some users have reported achieving stable overclocks on both processors. Overclocking can potentially improve performance, but it is important to note that it can also void the manufacturer’s warranty and reduce the lifespan of the processor.
Pricing and Availability
The Intel Pentium G3250 and Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 are both discontinued processors. However, they can still be found on the used market for around $20-$50 for the Pentium G3250 and $50-$100 for the Core 2 Quad Q8400.
Which Processor Should You Choose?
The choice between the Intel Pentium G3250 and Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 depends on your specific needs and budget.
- If you need a budget-friendly processor for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity, the Intel Pentium G3250 is a solid choice. It offers good single-threaded performance and low power consumption.
- If you need a processor for more demanding applications like video editing, gaming, or multitasking, the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 is a better option. Its four cores and four threads provide significantly better multi-threaded performance.
Summary
Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your individual needs and budget. By carefully considering the specifications, features, benchmarks, and other factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the processor that is right for you.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: Which processor is faster, the Intel Pentium G3250 or the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400?
A: The Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 is generally faster than the Intel Pentium G3250, especially in multi-threaded applications.
- Q: Which processor consumes less power, the Intel Pentium G3250 or the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400?
A: The Intel Pentium G3250 consumes less power than the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400.
- Q: Can I overclock the Intel Pentium G3250 or the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400?
A: Neither processor is officially supported for overclocking, but some users have reported achieving stable overclocks.
