Core i3-3240 vs Core 2 Duo T6670
Core i3-3240
Core 2 Duo T6670
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 i3-3240 is positioned at rank 847 and the Core 2 Duo T6670 is on rank 474, so the Core 2 Duo T6670 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T6670
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3240 | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3240 | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3240 and Core 2 Duo T6670
Core i3-3240
The Core i3-3240 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.
Core 2 Duo T6670
The Core 2 Duo T6670 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,365 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3240 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T6670's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6670 — a 42.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Core 2 Duo T6670's 2,365 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6670. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6670.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+55% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+55% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,352 | 2,365 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 252 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 252 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo T6670 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6670). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6670 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6670 rivals Core 2 Duo T6600.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Core 2 Duo T6670 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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