Core i3-6157U vs Core 2 Duo P8700

CPU

GPU

Core i3-6157U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2016

Core 2 Duo P8700

2 Cores2 Thrd3 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2009

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-6157U

2 / 4

2,782

0.0%

2,805

+0.8%

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 i3-6157U is positioned at rank 630 and the Core 2 Duo P8700 is on rank 140, so the Core 2 Duo P8700 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 i3-6157U

#187

Core Ultra 9 288V

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

97%

#188

Core i7-10870H

MSRP: $417|Avg: N/A

97%

#618

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

844%

#619

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

831%

#620

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

763%

#621

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

760%

#622

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

753%

#624

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

727%

#625

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

697%

#626

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

696%

#627

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

677%

#630

Core i3-6157U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#638

Celeron Dual-Core T1400

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P8700

#36

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

99%

#128

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

314%

#129

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

309%

#130

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

284%

#131

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

283%

#132

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

280%

#134

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

270%

#135

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

259%

#136

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

259%

#137

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

252%

#140

Core 2 Duo P8700

MSRP: $241|Avg: $85

100%

#147

Atom N2800

MSRP: $47|Avg: $3

98%

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 i3-6157U (2016) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i3-6157U	Core 2 Duo P8700
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($85)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo P8700 (2009) relies on 45 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i3-6157U	Core 2 Duo P8700
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($85)

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 i3-6157U Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo P8700 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-6157U and Core 2 Duo P8700

Core i3-6157U

The Core i3-6157U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,782 points. Launch price was $304.

Core 2 Duo P8700

The Core 2 Duo P8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,805 points. Launch price was $209.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-6157U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo P8700's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-6157U versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P8700 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i3-6157U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6157U scores 2,782 against the Core 2 Duo P8700's 2,805 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8700. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6157U vs 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700.

Feature	Core i3-6157U	Core 2 Duo P8700
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.53 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.53 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	3 MB+500%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	2,782	2,805

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6157U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6157U versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8700 — the Core 2 Duo P8700 supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6157U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-6157U) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo P8700) — the Core i3-6157U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-6157U	Core 2 Duo P8700
Socket	BGA1356	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	1066+26550%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+419430300%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	❌
PCIe Lanes	12	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6157U) vs true (Core 2 Duo P8700). The Core i3-6157U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 550), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6157U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8700 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.