Core 2 Duo P8700 vs Core i3-6157U

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 P8700 vs Core i3-6157U 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 P8700 vs Core i3-6157U: 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 P8700

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 512W, a 509W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $241 MSRP, while Core i3-6157U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6157U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-6157U

2016

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Graphics 550, while Core 2 Duo P8700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,782 vs 2,805).
❌16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P8700 better than Core i3-6157U?

Yes. Core 2 Duo P8700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% 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 P8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% more average FPS across 37 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 P8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo P8700 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo P8700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $241 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6157U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P8700 vs Core i3-6157U Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P8700

The Core 2 Duo P8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 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: 2,805 points. Launch price was $209.

Core i3-6157U

The Core i3-6157U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,782 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-6157U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-6157U — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P8700 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-6157U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8700 scores 2,805 against the Core i3-6157U's 2,782 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8700. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6157U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core i3-6157U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz+5%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+5%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	3 MB
L2 Cache	3 MB+500%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	2,805	2,782

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-6157U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6157U — the Core i3-6157U supports 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6157U 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. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo P8700) vs 12 (Core i3-6157U) — the Core i3-6157U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core i3-6157U
Socket	PGA478	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR4-2133+100%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo P8700) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6157U). The Core i3-6157U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 550), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6157U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8700 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.