Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Turion X2 RM-70

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5600

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.83 GHz2006
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Turion X2 RM-70

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Turion X2 RM-70 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Turion X2 RM-70 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 T5600 vs Turion X2 RM-70: 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 T5600

2006

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $241 MSRP, while Turion X2 RM-70 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 100% higher power demand at 2W vs 1W.

Turion X2 RM-70

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 2W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,556 vs 1,560).

Quick Answers

So, is Turion X2 RM-70 better than Core 2 Duo T5600?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Turion X2 RM-70 is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5600 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Turion X2 RM-70 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Turion X2 RM-70 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $241 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo T5600 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2006 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (6.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA478.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Turion X2 RM-70 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Turion X2 RM-70 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Turion X2 RM-70

The Turion X2 RM-70 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Puma (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,556 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T5600 and Turion X2 RM-70 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5600 versus 2 GHz on the Turion X2 RM-70 — a 8.9% clock advantage for the Turion X2 RM-70. The Core 2 Duo T5600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Turion X2 RM-70 uses Puma (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5600 scores 1,560 against the Turion X2 RM-70's 1,556 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5600. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5600Turion X2 RM-70
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
1.83 GHz
2 GHz+9%
Base Clock
1.83 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
2 MB+100%
1 MB
Process
65 nm
65 nm
Architecture
Merom (2006−2008)
Puma (2008−2009)
PassMark
1,560
1,556
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Turion X2 RM-70 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5600Turion X2 RM-70
Socket
PGA478
S1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0