A6-3600 vs Core 2 Duo T7200

CPU

GPU

A6-3600

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Core 2 Duo T7200

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2 GHz2006

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A6-3600 vs Core 2 Duo T7200 Performance Spectrum

A6-3600

4 / 4

1,718

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core 2 Duo T7200

2 / 2

1,717

0.0%

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.

A6-3600 vs Core 2 Duo T7200 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-3600 vs Core 2 Duo T7200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-3600

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $191 less on MSRP ($95 MSRP vs $286 MSRP).
✅Delivers 201.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 6.0 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $286 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6530D, while Core 2 Duo T7200 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo T7200.

Trade-offs

❌1525% higher power demand at 65W vs 4W.

Core 2 Duo T7200

2006

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 65W, a 61W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,717 vs 1,718).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.0 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($286 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while A6-3600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-3600.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-3600 better than Core 2 Duo T7200?

Yes. A6-3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A6-3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A6-3600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A6-3600 is the better buy right now. A6-3600 comes in $191 cheaper on MSRP at $95 MSRP versus $286 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 201.2% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 6.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A6-3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-3600 vs Core 2 Duo T7200 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A6-3600

The A6-3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.

Core 2 Duo T7200

The Core 2 Duo T7200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,717 points. Launch price was $286.

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Processing Power

The A6-3600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T7200 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A6-3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3600 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7200 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the A6-3600 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The A6-3600 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7200 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3600 scores 1,718 against the Core 2 Duo T7200's 1,717 — a 0.1% lead for the A6-3600. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A6-3600	Core 2 Duo T7200
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+5%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	4 MB+300%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark	1,718	1,717
Geekbench 6 Single	253	—

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Memory & Platform

The A6-3600 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T7200 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A6-3600 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7200 — the A6-3600 supports 179.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A6-3600) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7200).

Feature	A6-3600	Core 2 Duo T7200
Socket	FM1	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+180%	DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-3600) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7200). The A6-3600 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6530D), while the Core 2 Duo T7200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3600 targets Budget Desktop, Core 2 Duo T7200 targets Budget. Direct competitor: A6-3600 rivals Pentium G630; Core 2 Duo T7200 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.

Feature	A6-3600	Core 2 Duo T7200
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6530D	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x
Target Use	Budget Desktop	Budget

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A6-3600 was priced at $95, while the Core 2 Duo T7200 came in at $286. On launch pricing ($95 vs $286), A6-3600 was $191 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A6-3600 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 6.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo T7200 — making the A6-3600 the 100.3% better value option.

Feature	A6-3600	Core 2 Duo T7200
MSRP	$95-67%	$286
Performance per Dollar	18.1+202%	6.0
Release Date	2011	2006

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