Core 2 Duo T6570 vs Core i7-940XM

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 i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM: 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

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,269 vs 2,274).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,096 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T6570 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2650% higher power demand at 55W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Core 2 Duo T6570?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-940XM is ahead with a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6570 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-940XM also has the bigger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 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 T6570 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i7-940XM is the better buy right now. Core i7-940XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T6570 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (2.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-940XM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T6570 vs Core i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T6570 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-940XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6570 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 45.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6570 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6570 scores 2,274 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6570. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Core 2 Duo T6570 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6570	Core i7-940XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.33 GHz+59%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.13 GHz+1%
L3 Cache	2 MB	8 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,274	2,269
Geekbench 6 Single	246	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6570 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T6570 versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the Core i7-940XM supports 25% 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 PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6570	Core i7-940XM
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	—	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6570) vs true (Core i7-940XM). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6570 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6570 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.