Core i3-390M vs Core 2 Duo E8500
Core i3-390M
Core 2 Duo E8500
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 i3-390M is positioned at rank 585 and the Core 2 Duo E8500 is on rank 427, so the Core 2 Duo E8500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-390M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-390M | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-390M | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) |
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 i3-390M and Core 2 Duo E8500
Core i3-390M
The Core i3-390M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 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: 1,292 points. Launch price was $39.
Core 2 Duo E8500
The Core 2 Duo E8500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.16 GHz, with boost up to 3.17 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,297 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-390M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E8500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.67 GHz on the Core i3-390M versus 3.17 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8500 — a 130.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8500 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.16 GHz). The Core i3-390M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-390M scores 1,292 against the Core 2 Duo E8500's 1,297 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8500. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-390M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E8500.
| Feature | Core i3-390M | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 0.67 GHz | 3.17 GHz+373% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 3.16 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,292 | 1,297 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-390M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-390M versus 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8500 — the Core 2 Duo E8500 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E8500 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-390M | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-390M) vs true (Core 2 Duo E8500). The Core i3-390M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-390M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8500 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core i3-390M | Core 2 Duo E8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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