CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T8300
Pentium G860
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 Pentium G860 is on rank 861, 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 Pentium G860
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Pentium G860 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($36) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Pentium G860 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($36) |
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 Pentium G860
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.
Pentium G860
The Pentium G860 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,485 points. Launch price was $75.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo T8300 and Pentium G860 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T8300 versus 3 GHz on the Pentium G860 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Pentium G860 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T8300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G860 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T8300 scores 1,472 against the Pentium G860's 1,485 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium G860. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T8300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G860.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Pentium G860 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB L2 Cache | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,472 | 1,485 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 450 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 850 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T8300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G860 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T8300 versus DDR3-1333 on the Pentium G860 — the Pentium G860 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G860 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T8300) vs 16 (Pentium G860) — the Pentium G860 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Pentium G860 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR3-1333+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 32 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Pentium G860 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo T8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T8300 targets Legacy Laptop, Pentium G860 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T8300 | Pentium G860 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Legacy Laptop | Desktop |
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