Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Core i3-2120T
Core 2 Duo T5600
Core i3-2120T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo T5600 is positioned at rank 1179 and the Core i3-2120T is on rank 956, so the Core i3-2120T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5600
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5600 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) | ✅ More affordable ($38) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5600 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+538%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) | ✅ More affordable ($38) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo T5600 and Core i3-2120T
Core 2 Duo T5600
The Core 2 Duo T5600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,560 points. Launch price was $241.
Core i3-2120T
The Core i3-2120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,570 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T5600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2120T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5600 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T — a 34.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120T (base: 1.83 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-2120T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5600 scores 1,560 against the Core i3-2120T's 1,570 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2120T. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T5600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120T.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5600 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.83 GHz | 2.6 GHz+42% |
| Base Clock | 1.83 GHz | 2.6 GHz+42% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,560 | 1,570 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 403 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T5600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2120T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T5600 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T — the Core i3-2120T supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2120T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T5600) vs 16 (Core i3-2120T) — the Core i3-2120T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 945GM,945PM (Core 2 Duo T5600) and H61,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5600 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | DDR3-1333+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 32 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5600) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T). The Core i3-2120T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Duo T5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5600 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo T5600 launched at $241 MSRP, while the Core i3-2120T debuted at $127.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5600 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $241 | $127-47% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $38 |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2011 |
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