CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E8500
Core i3-390M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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 Core 2 Duo E8500 is positioned at rank 427 and the Core i3-390M is on rank 585, so the Core 2 Duo E8500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8500
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-390M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Core i3-390M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Core i3-390M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E8500 and Core i3-390M
Core 2 Duo E8500
The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 3.16 GHz, with boost up to 3.17 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: 1,297 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i3-390M
The Core i3-390M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 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: 1,292 points. Launch price was $39.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E8500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-390M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.17 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8500 versus 0.67 GHz on the Core i3-390M — a 130.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8500 (base: 3.16 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8500 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-390M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8500 scores 1,297 against the Core i3-390M's 1,292 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8500. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E8500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-390M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Core i3-390M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.17 GHz+373% | 0.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.16 GHz+19% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+2300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,297 | 1,292 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E8500 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-390M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8500 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-390M — the Core 2 Duo E8500 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E8500 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Core i3-390M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E8500) vs VT-x (Core i3-390M). The Core i3-390M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-390M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8500 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Core i3-390M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
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