Core 2 Duo T6570 vs Core i3-3220

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 T6570 vs Core i3-3220 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 T6570 vs Core i3-3220: 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 T6570

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-3220 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,274 vs 2,276).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220.

Core i3-3220

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Core 2 Duo T6570 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo T6570.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T6570 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220 better than Core 2 Duo T6570?

Yes. Core i3-3220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i3-3220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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 i3-3220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-3220 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), 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 T6570 vs Core i3-3220 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T6570

The Core 2 Duo T6570 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,274 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-3220

The Core i3-3220 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $117.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T6570 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3220's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6570 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3220 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6570 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3220 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6570 scores 2,274 against the Core i3-3220's 2,276 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3220. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 246 vs 503, a 68.6% lead for the Core i3-3220 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Core 2 Duo T6570 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6570	Core i3-3220
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+57%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+57%
L3 Cache	2 MB	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,274	2,276
Geekbench 6 Single	246	503+104%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6570 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3220 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T6570 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220 — the Core i3-3220 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM45,PM45,GL40 (Core 2 Duo T6570) and B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6570	Core i3-3220
Socket	PGA478	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6570) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220). The Core i3-3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Core 2 Duo T6570 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6570 targets Budget, Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6570 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300.