Core 2 Duo T6600 vs Core m5-6Y57

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 T6600 vs Core m5-6Y57 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 T6600 vs Core m5-6Y57: 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 T6600

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 5W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).

Core m5-6Y57

2015

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,342 vs 2,355).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T6600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌125% higher power demand at 4.5W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m5-6Y57 better than Core 2 Duo T6600?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core m5-6Y57 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6600 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core m5-6Y57 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 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 T6600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core m5-6Y57 is the better buy right now. Core m5-6Y57 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T6600 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 m5-6Y57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009) and 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T6600 vs Core m5-6Y57 Technical Specifications

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

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 m5-6Y57

The Core m5-6Y57 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 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 2,342 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T6600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core m5-6Y57's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6600 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core m5-6Y57 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core m5-6Y57 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6600 scores 2,355 against the Core m5-6Y57's 2,342 — a 0.6% 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 m5-6Y57.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6600	Core m5-6Y57
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+100%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,355	2,342
Geekbench 6 Single	200	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	350	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6600	Core m5-6Y57
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—