Celeron P4600 vs Core 2 Duo E7200

Intel

Celeron P4600

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 0.1 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo E7200

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron P4600 vs Core 2 Duo E7200 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 P4600 vs Core 2 Duo E7200 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 P4600 vs Core 2 Duo E7200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron P4600

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $47 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
  • Delivers 48.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.2 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Core 2 Duo E7200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Duo E7200 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (965 vs 1,002).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7200.

Core 2 Duo E7200

2008

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Celeron P4600.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 11.2 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron P4600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E7200 better than Celeron P4600?
Yes. Core 2 Duo E7200 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 3.8% 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 E7200 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.3% 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 E7200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo E7200 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E7200 comes in 54.7% more expensive on MSRP at $133 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron P4600 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 48.9% better value on paper (11.2 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron P4600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron P4600 vs Core 2 Duo E7200 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron P4600

The Celeron P4600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 965 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E7200

The Core 2 Duo E7200 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 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

Both the Celeron P4600 and Core 2 Duo E7200 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.1 GHz on the Celeron P4600 versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7200 — a 184.8% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7200 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Celeron P4600 uses the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E7200 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron P4600 scores 965 against the Core 2 Duo E7200's 1,002 — a 3.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7200. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron P4600 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7200.

FeatureCeleron P4600Core 2 Duo E7200
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
0.1 GHz
2.53 GHz+2430%
Base Clock
2 GHz
2.53 GHz+26%
L3 Cache
2 MB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB
3 MB (total)+500%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Westmere (2010−2011)
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark
965
1,002+4%
Geekbench 6 Single
368
Geekbench 6 Multi
666
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron P4600 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo E7200 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Celeron P4600 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo E7200 — the Celeron P4600 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Celeron P4600) and P35,G33,G41,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7200).

FeatureCeleron P4600Core 2 Duo E7200
Socket
PGA988
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
1066+33%
DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Duo E7200 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Celeron P4600) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7200). The Celeron P4600 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core 2 Duo E7200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7200 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron P4600 rivals Pentium P6000; Core 2 Duo E7200 rivals Athlon II X2 245.

FeatureCeleron P4600Core 2 Duo E7200
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron P4600 was priced at $86, while the Core 2 Duo E7200 came in at $133. On launch pricing ($86 vs $133), Celeron P4600 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron P4600 delivers 11.2 pts/$ vs 7.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E7200 — making the Celeron P4600 the 39.3% better value option.

FeatureCeleron P4600Core 2 Duo E7200
MSRP
$86-35%
$133
Performance per Dollar
11.2+49%
7.5
Release Date
2010
2008

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