A8-3870K vs Core 2 Duo T6670

AMD

A8-3870K

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo T6670

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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A8-3870K vs Core 2 Duo T6670 Performance Spectrum

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.

A8-3870K vs Core 2 Duo T6670 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.

A8-3870K vs Core 2 Duo T6670: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Core 2 Duo T6670 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo T6670.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,360 vs 2,365).
  • 4900% higher power demand at 100W vs 2W.

Core 2 Duo T6670

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 2W instead of 100W, a 98W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-3870K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • No integrated graphics, while A8-3870K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T6670 better than A8-3870K?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-3870K is ahead with a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6670 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo T6670 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T6670 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A8-3870K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Core 2 Duo T6670 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Core 2 Duo T6670

The Core 2 Duo T6670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,365 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

The A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T6670 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6670 — a 30.8% clock advantage for the A8-3870K (base: 3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core 2 Duo T6670's 2,365 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6670. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 380 vs 252, a 40.5% lead for the A8-3870K that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6670.

FeatureA8-3870KCore 2 Duo T6670
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3 GHz+36%
2.2 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+36%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB+100%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
2,360
2,365
Geekbench 6 Single
380+51%
252
Geekbench 6 Multi
252
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Memory & Platform

The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T6670 — the A8-3870K supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3870K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3870K) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo T6670) — the A8-3870K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3870K) and GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6670).

FeatureA8-3870KCore 2 Duo T6670
Socket
FM1
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866+75%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+300%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
0
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Advanced Features

Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3870K) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6670). The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop, Core 2 Duo T6670 targets Budget. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125; Core 2 Duo T6670 rivals Core 2 Duo T6600.

FeatureA8-3870KCore 2 Duo T6670
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6550D
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Budget Gaming Desktop
Budget