CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T6670
A8-3870K
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 T6670 is positioned at rank 474 and the A8-3870K is on rank 502, so the Core 2 Duo T6670 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 T6670
Performance Per Dollar A8-3870K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6670 | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6670 | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 T6670 and A8-3870K
Core 2 Duo T6670
The Core 2 Duo T6670 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: 2,365 points. Launch price was $249.
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T6670 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the A8-3870K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6670 versus 3 GHz on the A8-3870K — a 30.8% clock advantage for the A8-3870K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6670 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the A8-3870K uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6670 scores 2,365 against the A8-3870K's 2,360 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6670. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 252 vs 380, a 40.5% lead for the A8-3870K that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6670 vs 0 kB on the A8-3870K.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6670 | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3 GHz+36% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3 GHz+36% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,365 | 2,360 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 252 | 380+51% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 252 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T6670 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the A8-3870K uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The A8-3870K supports up to 32 GB 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 T6670) vs 20 (A8-3870K) — the A8-3870K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6670) and A55,A75 (A8-3870K).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6670 | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 32 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6670) vs AMD-V (A8-3870K). The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6670 targets Budget, A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6670 rivals Core 2 Duo T6600; A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6670 | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon HD 6550D |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Budget | Budget Gaming Desktop |
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