Core 2 Duo T5670 vs Core i3-9100HL

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5670

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-9100HL

4 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo T5670 vs Core i3-9100HL 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 T5670 vs Core i3-9100HL 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 T5670 vs Core i3-9100HL: 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 T5670

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 25W, a 23W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9100HL across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,440 vs 3,454).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9100HL can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-9100HL

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Core 2 Duo T5670 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5670 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 1150% higher power demand at 25W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100HL better than Core 2 Duo T5670?
Yes. Core i3-9100HL is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-9100HL is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.6% 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 i3-9100HL is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-9100HL is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100HL comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100HL makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2008), 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T5670 vs Core i3-9100HL Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5670

The Core 2 Duo T5670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom-2M (2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 3,440 points. Launch price was $249.

Intel

Core i3-9100HL

The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5670 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i3-9100HL offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-9100HL has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5670 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL — a 46.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100HL (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5670 uses the Merom-2M (2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-9100HL uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5670 scores 3,440 against the Core i3-9100HL's 3,454 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-9100HL. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5670 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5670Core i3-9100HL
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
1.8 GHz
2.9 GHz+61%
Base Clock
1.8 GHz+12%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB L2 Cache
6 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
2 MB
256K (per core)+12700%
Process
65 nm
14 nm-78%
Architecture
Merom-2M (2008)
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark
3,440
3,454
Geekbench 6 Single
1,037
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,373
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5670) / true (Core i3-9100HL). The Core i3-9100HL includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Duo T5670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5670Core i3-9100HL
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true
Target Use
Embedded