Core 2 Duo T7600 vs Core i5-3317U

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 i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U: 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.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,004 vs 2,014).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3317U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3317U

2012

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo T7600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌12700% higher power demand at 512W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3317U better than Core 2 Duo T7600?

Yes. Core i5-3317U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3317U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i5-3317U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3317U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-3317U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-3317U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T7600 vs Core i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U

The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3317U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i5-3317U (base: 2.33 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-3317U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7600 scores 2,004 against the Core i5-3317U's 2,014 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3317U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3317U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7600	Core i5-3317U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.33 GHz	2.6 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.33 GHz+37%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB	256K (per core)+6300%
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,004	2,014

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-3317U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3317U — the Core i5-3317U supports 139.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3317U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Socket P (Core 2 Duo T7600) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3317U).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7600	Core i5-3317U
Socket	PGA478	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	1600+140%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	32 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7600) vs true (Core i5-3317U). The Core i5-3317U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.