Core 2 Duo P7550 vs Core i3-3245

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 P7550 vs Core i3-3245 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 P7550 vs Core i3-3245: 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 P7550

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 55W, a 52W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo P7550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,412 vs 2,439).
❌Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P7550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1733.3% higher power demand at 55W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P7550 better than Core i3-3245?

Yes. Core 2 Duo P7550 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 1.1% 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 P7550 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 P7550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo P7550 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo P7550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $120 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3245 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P7550 vs Core i3-3245 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P7550

The Core 2 Duo P7550 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,439 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P7550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3245's 2 cores. The Core 2 Duo P7550 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P7550 scores 2,439 against the Core i3-3245's 2,412 — a 1.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo P7550. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P7550 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P7550	Core i3-3245
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.26 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	3.4 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	3 MB	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	2,439+1%	2,412

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P7550 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P7550	Core i3-3245
Socket	PGA478	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo P7550) / VT-x (Core i3-3245). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo P7550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.