Core 2 Duo E8335 vs Core i3-350M

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 E8335 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 E8335 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 E8335

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.5 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
❌25.7% higher power demand at 44W 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

✅Costs $70 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 53.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.4 vs 5.5 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 44W, a 9W 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 E8335 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,088 vs 1,094).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8335 better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8335 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E8335 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 2 Duo E8335 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 2 Duo E8335 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E8335 comes in 53.8% more expensive on MSRP at $200 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-350M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 53.0% better value on paper (8.4 vs 5.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8335 vs Core i3-350M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E8335

The Core 2 Duo E8335 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 2.933 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,094 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 E8335 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-350M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.93 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8335 versus 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M — a 110% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8335 (base: 2.933 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8335 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-350M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8335 scores 1,094 against the Core i3-350M's 1,088 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8335.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8335	Core i3-350M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.93 GHz+244%	0.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.933 GHz+30%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,094	1,088
Geekbench 6 Single	—	280
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	650

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8335 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-350M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8335	Core i3-350M
Socket	P	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	—	8 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo E8335) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8335	Core i3-350M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Entry Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E8335 was priced at $200, while the Core i3-350M came in at $130. On launch pricing ($200 vs $130), Core i3-350M was $70 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E8335 delivers 5.5 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-350M — making the Core i3-350M the 41.9% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8335	Core i3-350M
MSRP	$200	$130-35%
Performance per Dollar	5.5	8.4+53%
Release Date	2009	2010

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