Core 2 Duo E8600 vs Core i3-2370M
Core 2 Duo E8600
Core i3-2370M
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 E8600 is positioned at rank 1050 and the Core i3-2370M is on rank 1186, so the Core 2 Duo E8600 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 E8600
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2370M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8600 | Core i3-2370M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8600 | Core i3-2370M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+138%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($95) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 E8600 and Core i3-2370M
Core 2 Duo E8600
The Core 2 Duo E8600 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 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 1,378 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i3-2370M
The Core i3-2370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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: 1,370 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E8600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2370M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8600 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-2370M — a 32.5% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8600 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8600 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2370M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8600 scores 1,378 against the Core i3-2370M's 1,370 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 486 vs 412, a 16.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 885 vs 711 (21.8% advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8600). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E8600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2370M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8600 | Core i3-2370M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.33 GHz+39% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz+39% | 2.4 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) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,378 | 1,370 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 486+18% | 412 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 885+24% | 711 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E8600 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2370M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P45,X48,X38,P35 (Core 2 Duo E8600) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i3-2370M).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8600 | Core i3-2370M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Core i3-2370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo E8600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E8600 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i3-2370M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8600 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8600 | Core i3-2370M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Laptop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E8600 launched at $200 MSRP, while the Core i3-2370M debuted at $225.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8600 | Core i3-2370M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $200-11% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $95 | — |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo E8600 and Core i3-2370M
