Core 2 Duo E4300 vs Core 2 Duo E4700

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.

Core 2 Duo E4300 vs Core 2 Duo E4700 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.

Core 2 Duo E4300 vs Core 2 Duo E4700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 2 Duo E4300

2006

Why buy it

✅Costs $20 less on MSRP ($113 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.9 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($113 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,005 vs 1,011).

Core 2 Duo E4700

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $113 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E4700 better than Core 2 Duo E4300?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E4700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E4700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 E4700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo E4700 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E4700 comes in 17.7% more expensive on MSRP at $133 MSRP versus $113 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo E4300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2006 platform. Even with 17.0% better value on paper (8.9 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 2 Duo E4700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo E4300 vs Core 2 Duo E4700 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core 2 Duo E4700

The Core 2 Duo E4700 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,011 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E4300 and Core 2 Duo E4700 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4300 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4700 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4700 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture using a 65 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4300 scores 1,005 against the Core 2 Duo E4700's 1,011 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E4700. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Core 2 Duo E4700
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	2.6 GHz+44%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.6 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB
Process	65 nm	65 nm
Architecture	Allendale (2006−2009)	Allendale (2006−2009)
PassMark	1,005	1,011

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Both support up to 800 memory speed. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4300) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4700).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Core 2 Duo E4700
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	800	800
Max RAM Capacity	16	16
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support false virtualization. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+; Core 2 Duo E4700 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5000+.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Core 2 Duo E4700
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	false	false

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E4300 was priced at $113, while the Core 2 Duo E4700 came in at $133. On launch pricing ($113 vs $133), Core 2 Duo E4300 was $20 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4300 delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 7.6 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E4700 — making the Core 2 Duo E4300 the 15.7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Core 2 Duo E4700
MSRP	$113-15%	$133
Performance per Dollar	8.9+17%	7.6
Release Date	2006	2008

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