Intel Pentium G3440
Intel Pentium G3440: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Introduction
Even in 2025, processors from previous generations remain relevant for economical users. The Intel Pentium G3440, released in 2014, is still found in budget builds. Let's explore who this chip is suitable for today and how to properly use it.
1. Key Specifications
Architecture and Process Technology
The Pentium G3440 is based on the Haswell microarchitecture (2013) with a 22 nm process technology. It is a dual-core processor without Hyper-Threading support (2 threads), with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz. The L3 cache volume is 3 MB, which is typical for budget models of that time.
Key Features:
- Integrated Intel HD graphics (Haswell) with a base frequency of 350 MHz and a maximum of 1.15 GHz.
- Support for SSE4.2 and AVX2 instructions, which accelerate certain encoding and computational tasks.
- Intel Quick Sync technology for fast video decoding.
Performance
According to Geekbench 6 tests (2025):
- Single-Core: 622 points.
- Multi-Core: 1069 points.
For comparison, the modern Celeron G6900 (2023) scores around 1500/2500 points. The Pentium G3440 is suitable for basic tasks but lags behind in multi-threaded scenarios.
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA 1150 socket. Compatible chipsets include:
- H81, B85 — budget options with support for USB 3.0 and SATA III.
- H87, H97, Z87, Z97 — boards with enhanced features (RAID, memory overclocking).
Model Examples:
- ASUS H81M-K (price in 2025: $45–$60, if still in stock).
- Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H ($50–$70).
Selection Tips:
- Ensure the motherboard's BIOS supports Haswell (usually mentioned in the description).
- For upgrading an old PC, look for boards with HDMI/DVI if using integrated graphics.
3. Supported Memory Types
The Pentium G3440 works with DDR3-1333/1600 MHz in dual-channel mode.
- Maximum Capacity: 32 GB (depends on the motherboard).
- Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 4 GB (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1600) for dual-channel mode.
- DDR4/DDR5 not supported.
4. Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 54W, the processor is very energy-efficient.
- Without a discrete graphics card: A 300W PSU is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! SFX Power 3 300W, $40).
- With a NVIDIA GT 1030-level graphics card: Choose a PSU rated at 400–450W (Corsair CX450, $55).
Important: Avoid cheap noname power supplies — even for the Pentium G3440, system stability is critical.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price ($25–$40 for a new processor in stock).
- Energy efficiency (suitable for HTPCs or office PCs).
- Reliability (the architecture has stood the test of time).
Cons:
- Only 2 cores — multitasking is limited.
- Outdated graphics (Intel HD Haswell cannot handle modern games).
- No support for DDR4 and PCIe 4.0.
6. Use Case Scenarios
Office Tasks
- Working with documents, browser (up to 10 tabs), Zoom conferences.
Multimedia
- Watching videos in 1080p via VLC or YouTube (with hardware decoding).
- Used as a media center (e.g., with Kodi OS).
Gaming
- On integrated graphics: Older games (Half-Life 2, Minecraft) and light projects (Stardew Valley, Terraria) at low settings.
- With a discrete graphics card (e.g., GTX 1050 Ti): CS:GO (60 FPS on medium settings), Dota 2 (720p).
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019)
- 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 graphics.
- Geekbench 6: ~800/1600.
- Price: $60 (new).
Conclusion: Athlon 3000G wins in multi-threading and graphics but is more expensive.
Intel Celeron G6900 (2023)
- 2 cores/2 threads, UHD Graphics 710.
- Geekbench 6: ~1500/2500.
- Price: $70.
Conclusion: Celeron G6900 is twice as fast but requires an LGA 1700 platform.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is mandatory: Install a Kingston A400 240 GB ($30) to speed up the system.
- Cooling: The stock cooler will suffice, but for quieter operation, choose a Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T ($15).
- Graphics Card: Do not install a GPU more powerful than GTX 1650 — the processor will become a bottleneck.
- Operating System: Windows 10 LTSC or Linux (e.g., Ubuntu LTS) to minimize load.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Pentium G3440 Suitable For?
This processor is worth considering in three cases:
1. Upgrading an old PC on LGA 1150 — replacing weaker Celeron processors.
2. Budget office build — if you need a PC for Word and internet use.
3. Media center or router — low power consumption and quiet operation.
Why you shouldn’t buy it:
- For gaming, video editing, or working with heavy software, the Pentium G3440 is outdated.
- For $50–$70, more modern processors can be found (e.g., used Core i5-4570).
Conclusion
The Pentium G3440 in 2025 is a niche solution. It is suitable for those looking to revive an old computer or assemble a cheap system for basic tasks. However, for any modern requirements, it’s better to add $20–$30 and choose more contemporary models.