
Core 2 Duo T8300 vs Core i7-620LM

Core 2 Duo T8300

Core i7-620LM
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 T8300 is positioned at rank 710 and the Core i7-620LM is on rank 1208, so the Core 2 Duo T8300 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 T8300
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-620LM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Core i7-620LM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Core i7-620LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
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 T8300 and Core i7-620LM

Core 2 Duo T8300
The Core 2 Duo T8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,472 points. Launch price was $241.

Core i7-620LM
The Core i7-620LM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,463 points. Launch price was $300.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T8300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-620LM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T8300 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-620LM — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-620LM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T8300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-620LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T8300 scores 1,472 against the Core i7-620LM's 1,463 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T8300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 450, a 0% lead for the Core i7-620LM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 850 vs 900 (5.7% advantage for the Core i7-620LM). L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T8300 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620LM.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Core i7-620LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.8 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+20% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,472 | 1,463 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 450 | 450 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 850 | 900+6% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T8300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-620LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T8300 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-620LM — the Core i7-620LM supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T8300) vs 16 (Core i7-620LM) — the Core i7-620LM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T8300) and QM57,HM55 (Core i7-620LM).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Core i7-620LM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR3-1066+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T8300) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620LM). The Core i7-620LM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo T8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T8300 targets Legacy Laptop, Core i7-620LM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-620LM rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Core i7-620LM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Legacy Laptop | Budget |
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