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.

Core 2 Duo E4400 vs Core i3-350M 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.

Core 2 Duo E4400 vs Core i3-350M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 2 Duo E4400

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $17 less on MSRP ($113 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 9.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($113 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-350M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (208 vs 280).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-350M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅+34.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo E4400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,088 vs 1,095).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 9.7 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $113 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E4400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-350M better than Core 2 Duo E4400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-350M is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E4400 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E4400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i3-350M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-350M comes in 15.0% more expensive on MSRP at $130 MSRP versus $113 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo E4400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 15.8% better value on paper (9.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core i3-350M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E4400 vs Core i3-350M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E4400

The Core 2 Duo E4400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) 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: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,095 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-350M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4400 versus 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M — a 152.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4400 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4400 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-350M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4400 scores 1,095 against the Core i3-350M's 1,088 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E4400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 208 vs 280, a 29.5% lead for the Core i3-350M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4400	Core i3-350M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz+641%	0.27 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.26 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	Allendale (2006−2009)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,095	1,088
Geekbench 6 Single	208	280+35%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	650

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-350M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR2-1066 memory speed. The Core 2 Duo E4400 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo E4400) vs 16 (Core i3-350M) — the Core i3-350M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: RS600,Q965 (Core 2 Duo E4400) and HM55,HM57 (Core i3-350M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4400	Core i3-350M
Socket	LGA775	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-1066	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: None (Core 2 Duo E4400) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E4400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E4400 targets Budget, Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4400 rivals Athlon II X2 240; Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4400	Core i3-350M
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	None	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Entry Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E4400 was priced at $113, while the Core i3-350M came in at $130. On launch pricing ($113 vs $130), Core 2 Duo E4400 was $17 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4400 delivers 9.7 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-350M — making the Core 2 Duo E4400 the 14.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4400	Core i3-350M
MSRP	$113-13%	$130
Performance per Dollar	9.7+15%	8.4
Release Date	2007	2010

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