Core 2 Duo E8500 vs Core i3-390M

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 E8500 vs Core i3-390M 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 E8500 vs Core i3-390M: 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 E8500

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i3-390M.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $26 MSRP, while Core i3-390M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-390M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-390M

2011

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo E8500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,292 vs 1,297).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E8500.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8500 better than Core i3-390M?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8500 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% 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 E8500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 E8500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo E8500 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E8500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $26 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (49.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-390M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8500 vs Core i3-390M Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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)	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,297	1,292

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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 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E8500 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.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8500	Core i3-390M
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 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.