Core 2 Duo P8600 vs Core i5-680

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 i5-680 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 i5-680: 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

✅Draws 3W instead of 73W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,618 vs 2,620).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-680 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo P8600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P8600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2333.3% higher power demand at 73W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-680 better than Core 2 Duo P8600?

Yes. Core i5-680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% 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 i5-680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i5-680 is the better buy right now. Core i5-680 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-680 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo P8600 vs Core i5-680 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 i5-680

The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P8600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-680's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8600 versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 46.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8600 scores 2,618 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-680. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8600 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8600	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.86 GHz+61%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	3 MB+1100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,618	2,620

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P8600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8600 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the Core i5-680 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-680 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 P8600	Core i5-680
Socket	PGA478	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo P8600) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). The Core i5-680 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo P8600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop.