Core 2 Duo P8700 vs Core m3-8100Y

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 m3-8100Y 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 m3-8100Y: 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

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 3W instead of 512W, a 509W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $241 MSRP, while Core m3-8100Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core m3-8100Y

2018

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,767 vs 2,805).
❌16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P8700 better than Core m3-8100Y?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core m3-8100Y is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P8700 pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark. Core m3-8100Y 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 P8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% 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 $241 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core m3-8100Y is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 m3-8100Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 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 P8700 vs Core m3-8100Y 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 m3-8100Y

The Core m3-8100Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,767 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core m3-8100Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core m3-8100Y — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Core m3-8100Y (base: 2.53 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core m3-8100Y uses Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8700 scores 2,805 against the Core m3-8100Y's 2,767 — a 1.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8700. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700 vs 4 MB on the Core m3-8100Y.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core m3-8100Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	3.4 GHz+34%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+130%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	3 MB+500%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)
PassMark	2,805+1%	2,767

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core m3-8100Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.