Core 2 Duo P9700 vs Core i3-370M

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 P9700 vs Core i3-370M 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 P9700 vs Core i3-370M: 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 P9700

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 512W, a 484W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-370M

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 P9700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,170 vs 1,178).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌1728.6% higher power demand at 512W vs 28W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P9700 better than Core i3-370M?

Yes. Core 2 Duo P9700 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 0.7% 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 P9700 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 P9700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% 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 P9700 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo P9700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-370M 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 P9700 vs Core i3-370M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P9700

The Core 2 Duo P9700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,178 points. Launch price was $348.

Core i3-370M

The Core i3-370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) 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 (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: 1,170 points. Launch price was $245.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-370M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9700 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-370M — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P9700 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P9700 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-370M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9700 scores 1,178 against the Core i3-370M's 1,170 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo P9700. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9700 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-370M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9700	Core i3-370M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+17%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+17%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,178	1,170
Geekbench 6 Single	—	315
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	700

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-370M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9700	Core i3-370M
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 P9700) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-370M). The Core i3-370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo P9700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-370M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-370M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.