Core i3-5010U vs Core 2 Duo T5850

Core i3-5010U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2015

Core 2 Duo T5850

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2008

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-5010U

2 / 4

2,157

0.0%

2,161

+0.2%

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 i3-5010U is positioned at rank 521 and the Core 2 Duo T5850 is on rank 245, so the Core 2 Duo T5850 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

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 i3-5010U

#167

Core Ultra 7 258V

MSRP: $450|Avg: $400

98%

#509

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

680%

#510

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

670%

#511

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

615%

#512

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

612%

#513

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

607%

#515

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

586%

#516

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

562%

#517

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

561%

#518

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

546%

#521

Core i3-5010U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5850

#64

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

100%

#233

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

407%

#234

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

401%

#235

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

368%

#236

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

367%

#237

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

363%

#239

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

351%

#240

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

337%

#241

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

336%

#242

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

327%

#245

Core 2 Duo T5850

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i3-5010U (2015) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i3-5010U	Core 2 Duo T5850
Gaming	Balanced gaming performance	Balanced gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo T5850 (2008) relies on 65 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i3-5010U	Core 2 Duo T5850
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

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 i3-5010U Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo T5850 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-5010U and Core 2 Duo T5850

Core i3-5010U

The Core i3-5010U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,157 points. Launch price was $281.

Core 2 Duo T5850

The Core 2 Duo T5850 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,161 points. Launch price was $249.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-5010U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T5850's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5010U versus 2.1 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5850 — identical boost frequencies. The Core i3-5010U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5850 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5010U scores 2,157 against the Core 2 Duo T5850's 2,161 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5850.

Feature	Core i3-5010U	Core 2 Duo T5850
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	14 nm-78%	65 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark	2,157	2,161
Geekbench 6 Single	737	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-5010U) / not specified (Core 2 Duo T5850). The Core i3-5010U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 5500), while the Core 2 Duo T5850 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5010U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-5010U rivals A10-8700P.