Athlon PRO 3045B vs Core 2 Duo P8700

Athlon PRO 3045B

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2021

Core 2 Duo P8700

2 Cores2 Thrd3 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2009

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Athlon PRO 3045B

2 / 4

2,770

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core 2 Duo P8700

2 / 2

2,805

+1.3%

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon PRO 3045B is positioned at rank 1177 and the Core 2 Duo P8700 is on rank 140, so the Core 2 Duo P8700 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Athlon PRO 3045B

#1164

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

4514%

#1165

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

4448%

#1166

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

4083%

#1167

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

4065%

#1168

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

4027%

#1170

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3889%

#1171

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3729%

#1172

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3723%

#1173

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3623%

#1176

Core 2 Duo SL9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

100%

#1177

Athlon PRO 3045B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $180

100%

#1178

Core 2 Duo T5600

MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A

100%

#1179

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

99%

#1180

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

99%

#1182

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

96%

#1184

Athlon Neo X2 L325

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

95%

#1185

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#1186

Core i3-3217UE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

93%

#1187

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

93%

#1188

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

92%

#1189

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P8700

#36

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

99%

#128

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

314%

#129

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

309%

#130

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

284%

#131

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

283%

#132

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

280%

#134

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

270%

#135

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

259%

#136

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

259%

#137

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

252%

#140

Core 2 Duo P8700

MSRP: $241|Avg: $85

100%

#147

Atom N2800

MSRP: $47|Avg: $3

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Athlon PRO 3045B (2021) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Athlon PRO 3045B	Core 2 Duo P8700
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($180)	✅ More affordable ($85)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Dali (2020−2021) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo P8700 (2009) relies on 45 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Athlon PRO 3045B	Core 2 Duo P8700
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+114%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($180)	✅ More affordable ($85)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Athlon PRO 3045B Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo P8700 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Athlon PRO 3045B and Core 2 Duo P8700

Athlon PRO 3045B

The Athlon PRO 3045B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Dali (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,770 points. Launch price was $149.

Core 2 Duo P8700

The Core 2 Duo P8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,805 points. Launch price was $209.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon PRO 3045B packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo P8700's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Athlon PRO 3045B versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 — a 23.4% clock advantage for the Athlon PRO 3045B (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Athlon PRO 3045B uses the Dali (2020−2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon PRO 3045B scores 2,770 against the Core 2 Duo P8700's 2,805 — a 1.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8700. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Athlon PRO 3045B vs 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700.

Feature	Athlon PRO 3045B	Core 2 Duo P8700
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+26%	2.53 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.53 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	3 MB+500%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Dali (2020−2021)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	2,770	2,805+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon PRO 3045B uses the FP5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Athlon PRO 3045B versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8700 — the Core 2 Duo P8700 supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon PRO 3045B supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Athlon PRO 3045B) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo P8700) — the Athlon PRO 3045B offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD FP5 (Athlon PRO 3045B) and GM45,GS45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8700).

Feature	Athlon PRO 3045B	Core 2 Duo P8700
Socket	FP5	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+264%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	1066+26550%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+419430300%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	✅	❌
PCIe Lanes	8	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon PRO 3045B) / true (Core 2 Duo P8700). The Athlon PRO 3045B includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Vega 3), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8700 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.

Feature	Athlon PRO 3045B	Core 2 Duo P8700
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	AMD Radeon Vega 3	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

💰

Value Analysis

The Athlon PRO 3045B launched at $426 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo P8700 debuted at $241. At current prices ($180 vs $85), the Core 2 Duo P8700 is $95 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon PRO 3045B delivers 15.4 pts/$ vs 33.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo P8700 — making the Core 2 Duo P8700 the 72.8% better value option.