Athlon 64 X2 3600+ vs Core 2 Duo E4700
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Core 2 Duo E4700
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 Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is positioned at rank 1053 and the Core 2 Duo E4700 is on rank 1035, so the Core 2 Duo E4700 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core 2 Duo E4700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core 2 Duo E4700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Athlon 64 X2 3600+ and Core 2 Duo E4700
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $149.
Core 2 Duo E4700
The Core 2 Duo E4700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,011 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ and Core 2 Duo E4700 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ versus 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4700 — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4700. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E4700 uses Allendale (2006−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ scores 1,020 against the Core 2 Duo E4700's 1,011 — a 0.9% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 3600+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core 2 Duo E4700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 2.6 GHz+30% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 90 nm | 65 nm-28% |
| Architecture | Manchester (2005−2006) | Allendale (2006−2009) |
| PassMark | 1,020 | 1,011 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo E4700 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ versus 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4700 — the Core 2 Duo E4700 supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E4700) — the Core 2 Duo E4700 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4700).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core 2 Duo E4700 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 939 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 800+39900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+104857500% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) / false (Core 2 Duo E4700). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4700 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5000+.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core 2 Duo E4700 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | false |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ launched at $150 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E4700 debuted at $133. At current prices ($10 vs $10), the Core 2 Duo E4700 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ delivers 102.0 pts/$ vs 101.1 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E4700 — making the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ the 0.9% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core 2 Duo E4700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150 | $133-11% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | $10 |
| Performance per Dollar | 102.0 | 101.1 |
| Release Date | 2005 | 2008 |
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