Intel Pentium G3260T

Intel Pentium G3260T: A Budget Solution for Basic Tasks in 2025
Updated: April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Haswell Architecture and Its Features
The Intel Pentium G3260T processor, released in 2014, is still found in budget builds due to its energy efficiency and simplicity.
Architecture and Technology Process
- Codename: Haswell (4th generation Intel Core).
- Technology Process: 22 nm — a significant advance for its time, but in 2025, such chips are considered outdated.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 2 threads. No support for Hyper-Threading, which limits multitasking.
- Clock Speed: 2.9 GHz (without Turbo Boost).
Performance
- Geekbench 6: 585 (Single-Core), 1020 (Multi-Core). For comparison, modern budget processors like the Intel Celeron G6900 score around ~1500/2500 points.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics for the 4th generation. Supports resolution up to 1920x1200 but is not suitable for gaming — for example, in CS:GO at low settings, it delivers 25-30 FPS.
Key Features
- Low Power Consumption (TDP 35W): Ideal for compact PCs or systems with passive cooling.
- Support for AES-NI Instructions: Useful for data encryption.
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket: LGA1150 — an outdated socket, with no new boards being produced. In 2025, finding a new motherboard is difficult, but remnants may still be available:
- Chipsets: H81, B85, H87, Z87.
- Recommended Models:
- ASRock H81M-HDS (about $50–60, if you can find it for sale).
- Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H (up to $70).
Selection Tips
- Ensure that the board's BIOS supports Haswell (usually mentioned in the description).
- Check for required ports: SATA III, USB 3.0.
- Due to the age of the boards, warranty issues may arise.
3. Supported Memory
- Memory Type: Only DDR3 (not DDR4 or DDR5!).
- Speeds: Up to 1333 MHz (officially), but some boards allow overclocking to 1600 MHz.
- Modes: Dual-channel — use two identical modules (for example, 2x4 GB).
Tip: DDR3L (1.35 V) is compatible and reduces power consumption.
4. Power Supply Units: Minimal Cost
With a TDP of 35W, even a weak PSU will be more than enough:
- Minimum Wattage: 150W (for a system without a discrete graphics card).
- Recommendations:
- For an office PC: Be Quiet! SFX Power 3 300W ($45).
- If you plan to add a graphics card: EVGA 450 BR ($55).
Important: Integrated graphics do not require additional power.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price (new processors from $30, if you find them).
- Energy efficiency.
- Suitable for Linux and older operating systems (Windows 7/8).
Cons:
- Only 2 cores — multitasking is limited.
- No support for modern standards (USB-C, PCIe 4.0).
- Weak graphics.
6. Use Cases
Office and Web Surfing
- Document work, browsers (up to 10 tabs), Zoom.
Multimedia
- Playback of 1080p video via VLC or Kodi.
Light Gaming
- Minecraft, Stardew Valley, games up to 2012 (for example, Skyrim on low settings).
Server Tasks
- NAS or home server based on OpenMediaVault.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Celeron G5905 (2020):
- 2 cores, 2 threads, 3.5 GHz.
- Geekbench 6: ~950/1800.
- Price: $50.
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019):
- 2 cores, 4 threads, Vega 3 graphics.
- Geekbench 6: ~1000/2000.
- Price: $70.
Conclusion: The G3260T falls short in performance but excels in price.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
1. Motherboard: Look for models with HDMI if you need video output.
2. Storage: Definitely choose SSD (for example, Kingston A400 240 GB — $25).
3. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, the Noctua NH-L9i ($50) is recommended.
4. Case: Mini-ITX (for example, Cooler Master Elite 110 — $70).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the G3260T Suitable For?
This processor should only be considered in very limited scenarios:
- Budget Office PCs: For text and spreadsheet work.
- Home Media Centers: For watching movies and series.
- Retro Hardware Enthusiasts: Building a PC in a 2010s style.
Why is it not the best choice in 2025?
Even new budget processors (like the Intel N100) offer twice the performance at a similar price. However, if you find the G3260T for under $20 and want to build the most inexpensive system possible — it still has its place.
Price of the new processor in 2025: $25–40 (if available for sale).
Conclusion: The Pentium G3260T is a relic of the past, but under strict budget conditions or for nostalgic projects, it can still be useful. For any modern tasks, it's better to choose something more current.
Basic
CPU Specifications
Memory Specifications
GPU Specifications
Miscellaneous
Benchmarks
Compared to Other CPU
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