Memory scores (especially Stream scores which measure raw memory bandwidth) are higher due to the integrated memory controller on the i5 and i7. For example, Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading provide a nice boost to processor scores single-threaded workloads benefit from higher processor frequencies while multi-threaded workloads benefit from extra hardware threads.

This is a result of the architecture improvements in the i5 and the i7. It’s interesting to note, though, that the slowest Core i5 is faster than the fastest Core 2 Duo processor despite running at a much lower frequency (2.40GHz vs 3.06GHz).

It’s no surprise the new laptops are faster. The above chart was put together by PrimateLabs, who notes the following (emphasis mine): This is in line with earlier MacBook Pro benchmarks showing the 50% performance gain when moving from the Core 2 Duo chips to the Core i7. As you can see from the scores, the MacBook Pro Core i5 and i7 models really blow away their predecessors, while the MacBook Pro 13″ model with it’s Core 2 Duo processor gets a smaller bump in the benchmarks.

Core 2 duo 2.4 ghz vs i5