Core 2 Duo T5850 vs Core m3-6Y30

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 T5850 vs Core m3-6Y30 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 T5850 vs Core m3-6Y30: 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 T5850

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,161 vs 2,180).

Core m3-6Y30

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5850 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m3-6Y30 better than Core 2 Duo T5850?

Yes. Core m3-6Y30 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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 m3-6Y30 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 m3-6Y30 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core m3-6Y30 is the better buy right now. Core m3-6Y30 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 m3-6Y30 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 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 T5850 vs Core m3-6Y30 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5850

The Core 2 Duo T5850 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. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,161 points. Launch price was $249.

Core m3-6Y30

The Core m3-6Y30 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,180 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5850 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core m3-6Y30's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5850 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core m3-6Y30 — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core m3-6Y30. The Core 2 Duo T5850 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core m3-6Y30 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5850 scores 2,161 against the Core m3-6Y30's 2,180 — a 0.9% lead for the Core m3-6Y30.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5850	Core m3-6Y30
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.2 GHz+5%
Base Clock	—	0.9 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	14 nm-78%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,161	2,180