CPU
GPU
Athlon II X2 215
Core 2 Duo E4300
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 II X2 215 is positioned at rank 739 and the Core 2 Duo E4300 is on rank 1015, so the Athlon II X2 215 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 215
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon II X2 215 | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($5) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon II X2 215 | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+99%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($5) |
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 II X2 215 and Core 2 Duo E4300
Athlon II X2 215
The Athlon II X2 215 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,011 points. Launch price was $45.
Core 2 Duo E4300
The Core 2 Duo E4300 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 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: 1,005 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the Athlon II X2 215 and Core 2 Duo E4300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X2 215 versus 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — a 40% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 215 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Athlon II X2 215 uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses Allendale (2006−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 215 scores 1,011 against the Core 2 Duo E4300's 1,005 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon II X2 215. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 215 | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz+50% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+50% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Regor (2009−2013) | Allendale (2006−2009) |
| PassMark | 1,011 | 1,005 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 274 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 674 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon II X2 215 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 215 versus 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — the Athlon II X2 215 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II X2 215) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo E4300) — the Core 2 Duo E4300 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 215) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4300).
| Feature | Athlon II X2 215 | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+67% | 800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 215) vs false (Core 2 Duo E4300). Primary use case: Athlon II X2 215 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 215 rivals Pentium E5400; Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 215 | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | false |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Athlon II X2 215 launched at $45 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E4300 debuted at $113. At current prices ($10 vs $5), the Core 2 Duo E4300 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 215 delivers 101.1 pts/$ vs 201.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E4300 — making the Core 2 Duo E4300 the 66.1% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon II X2 215 | Core 2 Duo E4300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45-60% | $113 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | $5-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 101.1 | 201.0+99% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2006 |
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