Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs Core i3-3130M
Core 2 Quad Q8300
Core i3-3130M
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 Quad Q8300 is positioned at rank 985 and the Core i3-3130M is on rank 22, so the Core i3-3130M 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 Quad Q8300
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3130M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i3-3130M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i3-3130M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2163%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 Quad Q8300 and Core i3-3130M
Core 2 Quad Q8300
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,917 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i3-3130M
The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-3130M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-3130M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3130M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q8300 scores 1,917 against the Core i3-3130M's 1,906 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3130M.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i3-3130M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.6 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.6 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+1500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,917 | 1,906 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-3130M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i3-3130M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Quad Q8300) / true (Core i3-3130M). The Core i3-3130M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Quad Q8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i3-3130M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q8300 launched at $179 MSRP, while the Core i3-3130M debuted at $225.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q8300 | Core i3-3130M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179-20% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | — |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2013 |
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