Core 2 Duo E4300 vs Pentium E2200

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 Pentium E2200 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 Pentium E2200: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Pentium E2200.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 11.7 PassMark/$ ($113 MSRP vs $84 MSRP).

Pentium E2200

2007

Why buy it

✅Costs $29 less on MSRP ($84 MSRP vs $113 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.7 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($84 MSRP vs $113 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (985 vs 1,005).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E4300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E4300 better than Pentium E2200?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E4300 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 and 2% 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 E4300 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 E4300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo E4300 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E4300 comes in 34.5% more expensive on MSRP at $113 MSRP versus $84 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium E2200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 31.8% better value on paper (11.7 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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?

Pentium E2200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2007 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E4300 vs Pentium E2200 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.

Pentium E2200

The Pentium E2200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 985 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4300 is built on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4300 scores 1,005 against the Pentium E2200's 985 — a 2% lead for the Core 2 Duo E4300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4300 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2200.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Pentium E2200
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.2 GHz+22%
L3 Cache	0 kB	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB	—
Process	65 nm	65 nm
Architecture	Allendale (2006−2009)	—
PassMark	1,005+2%	985

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Pentium E2200
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	800	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: false (Core 2 Duo E4300) / not specified (Pentium E2200). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Pentium E2200
Integrated GPU	No	—
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	false	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E4300 was priced at $113, while the Pentium E2200 came in at $84. On launch pricing ($113 vs $84), Pentium E2200 was $29 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4300 delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 11.7 pts/$ for the Pentium E2200 — making the Pentium E2200 the 27.5% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4300	Pentium E2200
MSRP	$113	$84-26%
Performance per Dollar	8.9	11.7+31%
Release Date	2006	2007

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