Core 2 Duo P8600 vs Core i3-5157U

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 P8600 vs Core i3-5157U 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 P8600 vs Core i3-5157U: 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 P8600

2008

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 3W instead of 512W, a 509W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-5157U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5157U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-5157U

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Graphics 6100, while Core 2 Duo P8600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,593 vs 2,618).
❌16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P8600 better than Core i3-5157U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-5157U is ahead with a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P8600 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P8600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 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 P8600 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo P8600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-5157U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P8600 vs Core i3-5157U Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P8600

The Core 2 Duo P8600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 2,618 points. Launch price was $209.

Core i3-5157U

The Core i3-5157U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,593 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P8600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-5157U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8600 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-5157U — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-5157U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-5157U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8600 scores 2,618 against the Core i3-5157U's 2,593 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8600. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5157U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8600	Core i3-5157U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.5 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.5 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	2,618	2,593
Geekbench 6 Single	—	793

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P8600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-5157U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8600 versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i3-5157U — the Core i3-5157U supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-5157U 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo P8600) vs 12 (Core i3-5157U) — the Core 2 Duo P8600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8600	Core i3-5157U
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	LPDDR3-1866+75%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo P8600) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-5157U). The Core i3-5157U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 6100), while the Core 2 Duo P8600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5157U targets Premium Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-5157U rivals A12-8800B.