Core 2 Duo T5870 vs Core i3-3240T

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 T5870 vs Core i3-3240T 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 T5870 vs Core i3-3240T: 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 T5870

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,078 vs 2,089).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5870 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core 2 Duo T5870?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240T is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5870 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i3-3240T also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 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 T5870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i3-3240T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T5870 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3240T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T5870 vs Core i3-3240T Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5870

The Core 2 Duo T5870 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. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,089 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-3240T

The Core i3-3240T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5870 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5870 versus 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5870 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5870 scores 2,089 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5870. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5870 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5870	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3 GHz+50%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.9 GHz+45%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,089	2,078
Geekbench 6 Single	203	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	314	—