Core i3-7102E vs Core 2 Duo P8600
Core i3-7102E
Core 2 Duo P8600
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 i3-7102E is positioned at rank 974 and the Core 2 Duo P8600 is on rank 160, so the Core 2 Duo P8600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7102E
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P8600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Core 2 Duo P8600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Core 2 Duo P8600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ 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 i3-7102E and Core 2 Duo P8600
Core i3-7102E
The Core i3-7102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.
Core 2 Duo P8600
The Core 2 Duo P8600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 2,618 points. Launch price was $209.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7102E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo P8600's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8600 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P8600. The Core i3-7102E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P8600 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the Core 2 Duo P8600's 2,618 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8600. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8600.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core 2 Duo P8600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.4 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 3 MB+500% |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,599 | 2,618 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 659 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,898 | — |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7102E versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8600 — the Core i3-7102E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series (Core i3-7102E) and GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8600).
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core 2 Duo P8600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+700% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7102E) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo P8600). The Core i3-7102E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Duo P8600 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core 2 Duo P8600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x |
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