
Core i3-350M vs Core 2 Duo E8335

Core i3-350M

Core 2 Duo E8335
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 i3-350M is positioned at rank 17 and the Core 2 Duo E8335 is on rank 1196, so the Core i3-350M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-350M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8335
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-350M | Core 2 Duo E8335 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-350M | Core 2 Duo E8335 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+397%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 i3-350M and Core 2 Duo E8335

Core i3-350M
The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

Core 2 Duo E8335
The Core 2 Duo E8335 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 2.933 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 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: 1,094 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-350M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E8335's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M versus 0.93 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8335 — a 110% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8335 (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.933 GHz). The Core i3-350M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-350M scores 1,088 against the Core 2 Duo E8335's 1,094 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8335.
| Feature | Core i3-350M | Core 2 Duo E8335 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 0.27 GHz | 0.93 GHz+244% |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz | 2.933 GHz+30% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,088 | 1,094 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 280 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 650 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-350M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-350M | Core 2 Duo E8335 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | P |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M) / not specified (Core 2 Duo E8335). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.
| Feature | Core i3-350M | Core 2 Duo E8335 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Entry Laptop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-350M launched at $130 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E8335 debuted at $200. At current prices ($10 vs $50), the Core i3-350M is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-350M delivers 108.8 pts/$ vs 21.9 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8335 — making the Core i3-350M the 133% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-350M | Core 2 Duo E8335 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $130-35% | $200 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-80% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 108.8+397% | 21.9 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2009 |
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