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