Intel Core i3-530 vs Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
The Intel Core i3-530 is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 7%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i3-530 | Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 15/100 | 14/100 |
| Tier | F | F |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Boost clock | 2.9 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 73 W | 105 W |
| Release year | 2010 | 2007 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i3-530 is the better buy — it holds a 7% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 has more cores (4 vs 2), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i3-530 runs 32W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.