Core 2 Duo P7550 vs Core i7-2620M

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 i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M: 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

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 3W instead of 35W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2620M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD 3000, while Core 2 Duo P7550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,424 vs 2,439).
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P7550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1066.7% higher power demand at 35W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2620M better than Core 2 Duo P7550?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2620M is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P7550 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-2620M also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i7-2620M is the better buy right now. Core i7-2620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo P7550 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2620M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P7550 vs Core i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M

The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P7550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-2620M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P7550 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M — a 40.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-2620M (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P7550 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-2620M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P7550 scores 2,439 against the Core i7-2620M's 2,424 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo P7550. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P7550 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2620M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P7550	Core i7-2620M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.26 GHz	3.4 GHz+50%
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	2.7 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	3 MB+500%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,439	2,424
Geekbench 6 Single	—	509
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,222

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P7550 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-2620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P7550	Core i7-2620M
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 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, VT-d (Core i7-2620M). The Core i7-2620M includes integrated graphics (HD 3000), while the Core 2 Duo P7550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.