Core 2 Duo E8400 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 E8400 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 E8400 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 E8400

2008

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).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-370M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo E8400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E8400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-370M better than Core 2 Duo E8400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Duo E8400 is ahead with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-370M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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 still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-370M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.

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 2008) 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 E8400 vs Core i3-370M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E8400

The Core 2 Duo E8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 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 E8400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-370M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8400 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-370M — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8400 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-370M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8400 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 E8400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-370M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8400	Core i3-370M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	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 E8400 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 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8400 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-370M — the Core 2 Duo E8400 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E8400 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 E8400) and HM55 (Core i3-370M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8400	Core i3-370M
Socket	LGA775	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	1333+25%	DDR3-1066
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: true (Core 2 Duo E8400) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-370M). The Core i3-370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E8400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-370M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8400 rivals Phenom II X2 550; Core i3-370M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.