CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T6600
Core i7-3537U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo T6600 is positioned at rank 13 and the Core i7-3537U is on rank 1165, so the Core 2 Duo T6600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T6600
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3537U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6600 | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($4) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6600 | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+8572%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($4) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo T6600 and Core i7-3537U
Core 2 Duo T6600
The Core 2 Duo T6600 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,355 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i7-3537U
The Core i7-3537U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $346.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T6600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3537U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6600 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U — a 34% clock advantage for the Core i7-3537U (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3537U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6600 scores 2,355 against the Core i7-3537U's 2,349 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6600. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6600 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6600 | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.1 GHz+41% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz+10% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,355 | 2,349 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 350 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T6600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3537U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Core 2 Duo T6600 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3537U — the Core i7-3537U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3537U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T6600) vs 16 (Core i7-3537U) — the Core i7-3537U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6600) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6600 | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-800 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+26214300% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6600) vs true (Core i7-3537U). The Core i7-3537U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T6600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6600 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6600 | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Laptop | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo T6600 and Core i7-3537U
