
Core i3-2102 vs Core 2 Duo T7300

Core i3-2102

Core 2 Duo T7300
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 i3-2102 is positioned at rank 857 and the Core 2 Duo T7300 is on rank 283, so the Core 2 Duo T7300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2102
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T7300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2102 | Core 2 Duo T7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2102 | Core 2 Duo T7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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.

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2102 and Core 2 Duo T7300

Core i3-2102
The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

Core 2 Duo T7300
The Core 2 Duo T7300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 May 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,040 points. Launch price was $234.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2102 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T7300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7300 — a 43.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-2102 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7300 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2102 scores 2,029 against the Core 2 Duo T7300's 2,040 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7300. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,082 vs 3,499 (105.5% advantage for the Core 2 Duo T7300). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7300.
| Feature | Core i3-2102 | Core 2 Duo T7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+55% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+55% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4 MB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,029 | 2,040 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 515 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,082 | 3,499+223% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2102 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T7300 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2102 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7300 — the Core i3-2102 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7300).
| Feature | Core i3-2102 | Core 2 Duo T7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Core i3-2102 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Duo T7300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop, Core 2 Duo T7300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.
| Feature | Core i3-2102 | Core 2 Duo T7300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Office Desktop | Budget |
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