Core 2 Duo T7250 vs Core i3-2130
Core 2 Duo T7250
Core i3-2130
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 T7250 is positioned at rank 20 and the Core i3-2130 is on rank 899, so the Core 2 Duo T7250 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 T7250
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2130
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7250 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7250 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) |
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 T7250 and Core i3-2130
Core 2 Duo T7250
The Core 2 Duo T7250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,073 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i3-2130
The Core i3-2130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T7250 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2130's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7250 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 — a 51.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7250 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-2130 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7250 scores 2,073 against the Core i3-2130's 2,067 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7250. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7250 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2130.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7250 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+70% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+70% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,073 | 2,067 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 505 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T7250 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2130 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7250 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2130 — the Core i3-2130 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7250) and H61,B65,H67,P67,Z68,Q67,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2130).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7250 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | DDR3-1333+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7250) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2130). The Core i3-2130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Duo T7250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7250 targets Budget, Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7250 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42; Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7250 | Core i3-2130 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | Budget | Mainstream Desktop |
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