Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-3610ME

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 i5-3610ME 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 i5-3610ME: 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

✅Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 4W instead of 35W, a 31W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3610ME can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3610ME

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Duo T7800 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,652 vs 2,663).
❌Launch MSRP is still $276 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T7800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌775% higher power demand at 35W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T7800 better than Core i5-3610ME?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T7800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% 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 T7800 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.4% 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 T7800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T7800 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo T7800 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $276 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3610ME only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on G2.

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

Core i5-3610ME 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 i5-3610ME Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-3610ME

The Core i5-3610ME 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,652 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3610ME's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7800 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME — a 23.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3610ME (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-3610ME uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7800 scores 2,663 against the Core i5-3610ME's 2,652 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7800. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7800 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3610ME.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7800	Core i5-3610ME
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.3 GHz+27%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.7 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,663	2,652
Geekbench 6 Single	—	585

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-3610ME uses G2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7800 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3610ME — the Core i5-3610ME 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 HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7800	Core i5-3610ME
Socket	PGA478	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	DDR3-1600+140%
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
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 VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3610ME). The Core i5-3610ME includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T7800 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7800 targets Budget, Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7800 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.