Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Core i3-370M

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 E4500 vs Core i3-370M 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 E4500 vs Core i3-370M: 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 E4500

2007

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-370M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,165 vs 1,170).
❌Launch MSRP is still $133 MSRP, while Core i3-370M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-370M

2010

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo E4500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E4500.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-370M better than Core 2 Duo E4500?

Yes. Core i3-370M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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, Core i3-370M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, Core i3-370M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-370M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-370M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo E4500 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-370M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 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.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Core i3-370M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E4500

The Core 2 Duo E4500 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,165 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-370M

The Core i3-370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,170 points. Launch price was $245.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-370M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4500 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-370M — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-370M (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4500 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-370M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4500 scores 1,165 against the Core i3-370M's 1,170 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-370M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-370M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4500	Core i3-370M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.4 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.4 GHz+9%
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	1,165	1,170
Geekbench 6 Single	—	315
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	700

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4500 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-370M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4500 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-370M — the Core i3-370M supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E4500 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4500) and HM55 (Core i3-370M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4500	Core i3-370M
Socket	LGA775	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	800	DDR3-1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Core 2 Duo E4500) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-370M). The Core i3-370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E4500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-370M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4500 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4600+; Core i3-370M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.