Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Core i3-3110M

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 T9300 vs Core i3-3110M 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 T9300 vs Core i3-3110M: 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 T9300

2008

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (432 vs 846).
❌Launch MSRP is still $316 MSRP, while Core i3-3110M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3110M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-3110M

2012

Why buy it

✅+95.8% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅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 T9300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9300 better than Core i3-3110M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Duo T9300 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3110M pulls ahead with 95.8% better Geekbench multi-core. Core 2 Duo T9300 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3110M is the stronger fit. You are getting 95.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo T9300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $316 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-3110M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 95.8% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3110M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) 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 T9300 vs Core i3-3110M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T9300

The Core 2 Duo T9300 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,670 points. Launch price was $316.

Core i3-3110M

The Core i3-3110M 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,656 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3110M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-3110M — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3110M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the Core i3-3110M's 1,656 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9300. Multi-core Geekbench: 432 vs 846 (64.8% advantage for the Core i3-3110M). L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3110M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9300	Core i3-3110M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+4%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+4%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,670	1,656
Geekbench 6 Single	—	424
Geekbench 6 Multi	432	846+96%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3110M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3110M — the Core i3-3110M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9300) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i3-3110M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9300	Core i3-3110M
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Core i3-3110M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget, Core i3-3110M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i3-3110M rivals AMD A8-4500M.