Core 2 Duo T6670 vs Core i3-3240

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 T6670 vs Core i3-3240 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 T6670 vs Core i3-3240: 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 T6670

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-3240 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,352 vs 2,365).
❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T6670 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2650% higher power demand at 55W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Core 2 Duo T6670?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240 is ahead with a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6670 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i3-3240 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 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 T6670 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 i3-3240 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T6670 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T6670 vs Core i3-3240 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T6670 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6670 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 — a 42.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6670 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3240 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6670 scores 2,365 against the Core i3-3240's 2,352 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6670. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6670 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6670	Core i3-3240
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+55%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	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	2,365	2,352
Geekbench 6 Single	252	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	252	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6670 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T6670	Core i3-3240
Socket	PGA478	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6670) / not specified (Core i3-3240). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6670 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6670 rivals Core 2 Duo T6600.