Celeron G470 vs Core 2 Duo E6420

Intel

Celeron G470

1 Cores2 Thrd35 WW2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo E6420

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.13 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Celeron G470 vs Core 2 Duo E6420 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 G470 vs Core 2 Duo E6420 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 G470 vs Core 2 Duo E6420: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G470

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $148 less on MSRP ($35 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).
  • Delivers 418.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.0 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($35 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Core 2 Duo E6420 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,225 vs 1,235).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E6420.

Core 2 Duo E6420

2007

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Celeron G470.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 35.0 PassMark/$ ($183 MSRP vs $35 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G470 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E6420 better than Celeron G470?
Yes. Core 2 Duo E6420 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% 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 E6420 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 E6420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo E6420 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E6420 comes in 422.9% more expensive on MSRP at $183 MSRP versus $35 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G470 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 418.6% better value on paper (35.0 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), 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 G470 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G470 vs Core 2 Duo E6420 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G470

The Celeron G470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,225 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E6420

The Core 2 Duo E6420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

The Celeron G470 packs 1 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Duo E6420 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo E6420 has 1 more core. The Core 2 Duo E6420 is built on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G470 scores 1,225 against the Core 2 Duo E6420's 1,235 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6420. L3 cache: 1.5 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G470 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6420.

FeatureCeleron G470Core 2 Duo E6420
Cores / Threads
1 / 2
2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock
2.13 GHz
Base Clock
2 GHz
2.13 GHz+6%
L3 Cache
1.5 MB Intel® Smart Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
4 MB
Process
32 nm-51%
65 nm
Architecture
Conroe (2006−2007)
PassMark
1,225
1,235
Geekbench 6 Single
300
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G470 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Celeron G470 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 G470) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6420).

FeatureCeleron G470Core 2 Duo E6420
Socket
LGA1155
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+173%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
1066
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. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G470) vs true (Core 2 Duo E6420). The Celeron G470 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Core 2 Duo E6420 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G470 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G470 rivals Pentium G630; Core 2 Duo E6420 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.

FeatureCeleron G470Core 2 Duo E6420
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G470 was priced at $35, while the Core 2 Duo E6420 came in at $183. On launch pricing ($35 vs $183), Celeron G470 was $148 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G470 delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 6.7 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E6420 — making the Celeron G470 the 135.3% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G470Core 2 Duo E6420
MSRP
$35-81%
$183
Performance per Dollar
35.0+422%
6.7
Release Date
2013
2007

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