Athlon II X2 210e vs Core 2 Duo E8335

AMD

Athlon II X2 210e

2 Cores2 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo E8335

2 Cores2 Thrd44 WWMax: 0.93 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 210e vs Core 2 Duo E8335 Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core 2 Duo E8335 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core 2 Duo E8335: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon II X2 210e

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $140 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
  • Delivers 231.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 5.5 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core 2 Duo E8335.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,089 vs 1,094).

Core 2 Duo E8335

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 44W instead of 45W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.5 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 210e.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X2 210e better than Core 2 Duo E8335?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon II X2 210e is ahead with 179.6% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8335 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8335 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X2 210e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X2 210e comes in $140 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you 179.6% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo E8335 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 231.8% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 5.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II X2 210e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 210e vs Core 2 Duo E8335 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Athlon II X2 210e

The Athlon II X2 210e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) 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: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,089 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E8335

The Core 2 Duo E8335 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.933 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,094 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 210e and Core 2 Duo E8335 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X2 210e versus 0.93 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8335 — a 94.6% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 210e (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.933 GHz). The Athlon II X2 210e uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 210e scores 1,089 against the Core 2 Duo E8335's 1,094 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8335.

FeatureAthlon II X2 210eCore 2 Duo E8335
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+180%
0.93 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.933 GHz+13%
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB
6 MB (total)+1100%
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
1,089
1,094
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 210e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X2 210eCore 2 Duo E8335
Socket
AM3
P
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Athlon II X2 210e) / not specified (Core 2 Duo E8335). Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 210e rivals Pentium E5300.

FeatureAthlon II X2 210eCore 2 Duo E8335
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 210e was priced at $60, while the Core 2 Duo E8335 came in at $200. On launch pricing ($60 vs $200), Athlon II X2 210e was $140 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 210e delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 5.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8335 — making the Athlon II X2 210e the 107.4% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 210eCore 2 Duo E8335
MSRP
$60-70%
$200
Performance per Dollar
18.1+229%
5.5
Release Date
2010
2009

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