Core 2 Duo P9600 vs Core i3-350M

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 P9600 vs Core i3-350M 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 P9600 vs Core i3-350M: 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 P9600

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-350M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo P9600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,088 vs 1,093).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $130 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P9600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P9600 better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Core 2 Duo P9600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% 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 P9600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 2 Duo P9600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo P9600 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo P9600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-350M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i3-350M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P9600 vs Core i3-350M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P9600

The Core 2 Duo P9600 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,093 points. Launch price was $348.

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-350M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9600 versus 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M — a 163.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P9600 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P9600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-350M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9600 scores 1,093 against the Core i3-350M's 1,088 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo P9600. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9600	Core i3-350M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.66 GHz+885%	0.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+18%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,093	1,088
Geekbench 6 Single	—	280
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	650

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-350M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9600	Core i3-350M
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	—	8 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo P9600) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo P9600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.