Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-3320M

Intel

Core 2 Duo T7800

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2007
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-3320M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-3320M Performance Spectrum

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.

Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-3320M 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 T7800 vs Core i5-3320M: 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 T7800

2007

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 4W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3320M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3320M

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo T7800 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,660 vs 2,663).
  • Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T7800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 12700% higher power demand at 512W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3320M better than Core 2 Duo T7800?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3320M is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7800 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-3320M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3320M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T7800 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3320M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-3320M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo T7800

The Core 2 Duo T7800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 August 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,663 points. Launch price was $515.

Intel

Core i5-3320M

The Core i5-3320M 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,660 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3320M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7800 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M — a 23.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-3320M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7800 scores 2,663 against the Core i5-3320M's 2,660 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7800. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7800 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3320M.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T7800Core i5-3320M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
3.3 GHz+27%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 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
2,663
2,660
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-3320M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7800 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3320M — the Core i5-3320M supports 139.9% 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 T7800) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3320M).

FeatureCore 2 Duo T7800Core i5-3320M
Socket
PGA478
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
1600+140%
Max RAM Capacity
32
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7800) vs true (Core i5-3320M). The Core i5-3320M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T7800 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7800 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7800 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T7800Core i5-3320M
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Budget