Look at the Photoshop results. The E8600 is only just behind the i3 530. If you compare the E8500/8600 to one of the lower i3s, then it will be faster. The i3 is generally the better chip.
Ahhh, so it is. I don't normally look at the lowend CPUs. I3 all the way then. The fastest of the C2D can't match the i3. (the C2Qs are another story.)
if your out buying chips then go for the i3. But if you just thought "hey, u could get one of those C2Q" lol dont for that get an i5 😀 i just hope those C2 go down in price then they would sell like crazy