Core 2 Duo P8600 vs Core i7-3687U

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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U: 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 512W, a 509W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3687U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,618 vs 2,621).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3687U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% 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 4000, while Core 2 Duo P8600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3687U better than Core 2 Duo P8600?

Yes. Core i7-3687U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% 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 i7-3687U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3687U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-3687U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P8600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3687U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8600 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3687U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3687U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8600 scores 2,618 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3687U. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8600 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8600	Core i7-3687U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.3 GHz+38%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+14%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	3 MB	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,618	2,621
Geekbench 6 Single	—	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,240

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P8600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3687U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8600 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-3687U — the Core i7-3687U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3687U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8600) and QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3687U).

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8600	Core i7-3687U
Socket	PGA478	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3L-1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
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 i7-3687U). The Core i7-3687U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo P8600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.