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 Quad Q6700 vs Core i3-2125 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 Quad Q6700 vs Core i3-2125: 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 Quad Q6700

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.9 vs 15.5 PassMark/$ ($530 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2125 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2125.

Core i3-2125

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $396 less on MSRP ($134 MSRP vs $530 MSRP).
✅Delivers 293.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.5 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $530 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core 2 Quad Q6700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,082 vs 2,092).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2125 better than Core 2 Quad Q6700?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2125 is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q6700 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Quad Q6700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2125 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2125 comes in $396 cheaper on MSRP at $134 MSRP versus $530 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Quad Q6700 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 293.6% better value on MSRP (15.5 vs 3.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2125 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs Core i3-2125 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Quad Q6700

The Core 2 Quad Q6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Kentsfield (2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 8 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-2125

The Core i3-2125 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q6700 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2125 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q6700 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2125 — a 21.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2125 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the Kentsfield (2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-2125 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 scores 2,092 against the Core i3-2125's 2,082 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q6700. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2125.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-2125
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz	3.3 GHz+24%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3.3 GHz+24%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8 MB (total)+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	Kentsfield (2007)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,092	2,082
Geekbench 6 Single	—	499

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2125 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2125 — the Core i3-2125 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2125 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Quad Q6700) vs 16 (Core i3-2125) — the Core i3-2125 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P45,G45 (Core 2 Quad Q6700) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B65,Q65,Q67,B75,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2125).

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-2125
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	DDR3-1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q6700) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2125). The Core i3-2125 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-2125
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	—	Budget Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 was priced at $530, while the Core i3-2125 came in at $134. On launch pricing ($530 vs $134), Core i3-2125 was $396 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q6700 delivers 3.9 pts/$ vs 15.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-2125 — making the Core i3-2125 the 119% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-2125
MSRP	$530	$134-75%
Performance per Dollar	3.9	15.5+297%
Release Date	2007	2011

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