Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs Core i3-3240T

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 i3-3240T 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 i3-3240T: 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

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($530 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Core i3-3240T

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $413 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $530 MSRP).
✅Delivers 350.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $530 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,078 vs 2,092).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240T better than Core 2 Quad Q6700?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3240T is ahead with a 2.7% 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 0.7% 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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3240T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240T comes in $413 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $530 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Quad Q6700 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 350.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 3.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3240T 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 Quad Q6700 vs Core i3-3240T 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 i3-3240T

The Core i3-3240T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Quad Q6700 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3240T 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 GHz on the Core i3-3240T — a 11.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the Kentsfield (2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i3-3240T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 scores 2,092 against the Core i3-3240T's 2,078 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q6700. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-3240T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz	3 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.9 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8 MB (total)+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Kentsfield (2007)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,092	2,078

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3240T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-3240T
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q6700) / not specified (Core i3-3240T).

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-3240T
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Quad Q6700 was priced at $530, while the Core i3-3240T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($530 vs $117), Core i3-3240T was $413 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q6700 delivers 3.9 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240T — making the Core i3-3240T the 127.3% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Quad Q6700	Core i3-3240T
MSRP	$530	$117-78%
Performance per Dollar	3.9	17.8+356%
Release Date	2007	2012

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