Core 2 Duo T7600 vs Core i3-5015U

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 T7600 vs Core i3-5015U 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 T7600 vs Core i3-5015U: 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 T7600

2006

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5015U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-5015U

2015

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 5500, while Core 2 Duo T7600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,990 vs 2,004).
❌12700% higher power demand at 512W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T7600 better than Core i3-5015U?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T7600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo T7600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T7600 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T7600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-5015U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T7600 vs Core i3-5015U Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T7600

The Core 2 Duo T7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,004 points. Launch price was $619.

Core i3-5015U

The Core i3-5015U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,990 points. Launch price was $275.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-5015U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5015U — a 10.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T7600 (base: 2.33 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-5015U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7600 scores 2,004 against the Core i3-5015U's 1,990 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7600. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5015U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7600	Core i3-5015U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.33 GHz+11%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.33 GHz+11%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB	256K (per core)+6300%
Process	65 nm	14 nm-78%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	2,004	1,990

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-5015U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5015U — the Core i3-5015U supports 139.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-5015U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo T7600) vs 12 (Core i3-5015U) — the Core 2 Duo T7600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7600	Core i3-5015U
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	DDR3L-1600+140%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7600) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5015U). The Core i3-5015U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 5500), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5015U targets Mobile.