Core i3-3229Y vs Core 2 Duo E8235

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. The Core i3-3229Y is positioned at rank #437 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3229Y

#425

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

579%

#426

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

570%

#427

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

523%

#428

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

521%

#429

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

516%

#431

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

499%

#432

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

478%

#433

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

477%

#434

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

464%

#437

Core i3-3229Y

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core 2 Duo E8235 delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i3-3229Y in both compute-intensive tasks (0.6% faster) and gaming workloads.

Insight	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E8235
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($20)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) / 22 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Insight	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E8235
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($20)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i3-3229Y Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo E8235 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3229Y and Core 2 Duo E8235

Core i3-3229Y

The Core i3-3229Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,014 points. Launch price was $250.

Core 2 Duo E8235

The Core 2 Duo E8235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $249.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3229Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E8235's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core i3-3229Y versus 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8235 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8235 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-3229Y uses the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3229Y scores 1,014 against the Core 2 Duo E8235's 1,020 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8235.

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E8235
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	2.8 GHz+100%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.8 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	6 MB (total)+2300%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-Y (2013)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,014	1,020
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3229Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E8235
Socket	BGA1023	P
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	❌	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3229Y) / not specified (Core 2 Duo E8235). The Core i3-3229Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3229Y targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3229Y rivals Athlon Silver 3050GE.