Celeron G440 vs Core 2 Duo E8300

Intel

Celeron G440

1 Cores1 Thrd35 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo E8300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.83 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron G440 vs Core 2 Duo E8300 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.

Celeron G440 vs Core 2 Duo E8300 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.

Celeron G440 vs Core 2 Duo E8300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G440

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $126 less on MSRP ($37 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).
  • Delivers 338.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 6.4 PassMark/$ ($37 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Core 2 Duo E8300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (300 vs 345).
  • Lower PassMark (1,035 vs 1,039).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E8300.

Core 2 Duo E8300

2008

Why buy it

  • +15% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Celeron G440.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.4 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($163 MSRP vs $37 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G440 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8300 better than Celeron G440?
Yes. Core 2 Duo E8300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E8300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo E8300 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E8300 comes in 340.5% more expensive on MSRP at $163 MSRP versus $37 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G440 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 338.8% better value on paper (28.0 vs 6.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron G440 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G440 vs Core 2 Duo E8300 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G440

The Celeron G440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,035 points. Launch price was $45.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E8300

The Core 2 Duo E8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 2.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,039 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

The Celeron G440 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E8300 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo E8300 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Celeron G440 versus 2.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8300 — a 55.5% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8300 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.83 GHz). The Celeron G440 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8300 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G440 scores 1,035 against the Core 2 Duo E8300's 1,039 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 345, a 14% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 1 MB on the Celeron G440 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E8300.

FeatureCeleron G440Core 2 Duo E8300
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz
2.83 GHz+77%
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
2.83 GHz+77%
L3 Cache
1 MB
0 kB
L2 Cache
256 kB
6 MB (total)+2300%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark
1,035
1,039
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,000
Geekbench 6 Single
300
345+15%
Geekbench 6 Multi
771
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G440 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G440 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8300 — the Core 2 Duo E8300 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G440 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G440) and P35,P45,G33,G31 (Core 2 Duo E8300).

FeatureCeleron G440Core 2 Duo E8300
Socket
LGA1155
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Celeron G440 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Core 2 Duo E8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G440 targets Budget, Core 2 Duo E8300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G440 rivals Pentium G630.

FeatureCeleron G440Core 2 Duo E8300
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G440 was priced at $37, while the Core 2 Duo E8300 came in at $163. On launch pricing ($37 vs $163), Celeron G440 was $126 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G440 delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 6.4 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8300 — making the Celeron G440 the 125.8% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G440Core 2 Duo E8300
MSRP
$37-77%
$163
Performance per Dollar
28.0+338%
6.4
Release Date
2011
2008

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