Core 2 Duo T5800 vs Core i7-620M

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 T5800 vs Core i7-620M 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 T5800 vs Core i7-620M: 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 T5800

2008

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core 2 Duo T5800 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,976 vs 2,000).
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T5800 better than Core i7-620M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-620M is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5800 pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Core i7-620M also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T5800 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T5800 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark.

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

Core i7-620M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T5800 vs Core i7-620M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5800

The Core 2 Duo T5800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,000 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i7-620M

The Core i7-620M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-620M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5800 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M — a 49.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 2 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5800 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i7-620M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5800 scores 2,000 against the Core i7-620M's 1,976 — a 1.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5800. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5800 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5800	Core i7-620M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3.33 GHz+67%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.66 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,000+1%	1,976
Geekbench 6 Single	—	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	800

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5800	Core i7-620M
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 T5800) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620M). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo T5800 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.