Core 2 Duo E4500
VS
Pentium A1020

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Pentium A1020

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4500

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2007
VS
Intel

Pentium A1020

4 Cores4 Thrd10 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2016

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo E4500 is positioned at rank 1017 and the Pentium A1020 is on rank 1009, so the Pentium A1020 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4500

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
35584%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
33623%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
24413%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
7355%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
5826%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
5096%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
2919%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
2881%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2623%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2623%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2593%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2524%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2488%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2478%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2456%
#1017
Core 2 Duo E4500
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
100%
#1019
Core 2 Duo E7600
MSRP: $133|Avg: $50
99%
#1020
Core 2 Duo E8700
MSRP: $256|Avg: $30
99%
#1021
Core i7-3970X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $60
99%
#1022
Core 2 Duo E6550
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
98%
#1023
Phenom X3 8450
MSRP: $145|Avg: $147
96%
#1024
Core i7-3960X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $60
96%
#1025
Celeron 2.70
MSRP: $49|Avg: $49
95%
#1027
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
92%
#1028
Core 2 Quad Q8200
MSRP: $224|Avg: $36
92%
#1029
A12-9800E
MSRP: $426|Avg: $150
92%
#1030
Phenom II X6 1065T
MSRP: $426|Avg: $170
91%
#1031
Celeron 440
MSRP: $59|Avg: $10
91%
#1032
A8-3820
MSRP: $280|Avg: $200
89%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Pentium A1020

#997
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
2162%
#998
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
2130%
#999
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1956%
#1000
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1947%
#1001
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1929%
#1003
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1863%
#1004
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1786%
#1005
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1783%
#1006
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1735%
#1009
Pentium A1020
MSRP: $86|Avg: $86
100%
#1010
Core i3-1115GRE
MSRP: $338|Avg: $480
100%
#1011
Core i7-4702MQ
MSRP: $383|Avg: $50
100%
#1012
Pentium N4200
MSRP: $161|Avg: $30.89
99%
#1013
Pentium J2900
MSRP: $94|Avg: $20
98%
#1014
Celeron T1700
MSRP: $80|Avg: $5
97%
#1015
Celeron T3500
MSRP: $80|Avg: $10
97%
#1016
A12-9720P
MSRP: $200|Avg: $25
97%
#1017
Core i5-4300M
MSRP: $227|Avg: N/A
96%
#1018
Celeron 1005M
MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A
96%
#1019
Athlon 64 X2 TK-42
MSRP: $60|Avg: $10
95%
#1020
Athlon Neo MV-40
MSRP: $100|Avg: $5
94%
#1021
Core i7-4860EQ
MSRP: $434|Avg: $80
94%
#1022
Pentium SU2700
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
93%
#1023
A4-1250
MSRP: $100|Avg: $30
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Pentium A1020 (2016) utilizes 22 nm technology and DDR3L-1333, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore 2 Duo E4500Pentium A1020
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
More affordable ($10)
⚠️ Higher cost ($86)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo E4500 (2007) relies on 65 nm technology and DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore 2 Duo E4500Pentium A1020
Cost Efficiency
Better overall value (+759%)
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($10)
⚠️ Higher cost ($86)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E4500 and Pentium A1020

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4500

The Core 2 Duo E4500 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,165 points. Launch price was $249.

Intel

Pentium A1020

The Pentium A1020 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.41 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,167 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Pentium A1020 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium A1020 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4500 versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium A1020 — a 20.4% clock advantage for the Pentium A1020 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.41 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4500 is built on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4500 scores 1,165 against the Pentium A1020's 1,167 — a 0.2% lead for the Pentium A1020. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4500 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium A1020.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Pentium A1020
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.2 GHz
2.7 GHz+23%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
2.41 GHz+10%
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
2 MB
Process
65 nm
22 nm-66%
Architecture
Allendale (2006−2009)
PassMark
1,165
1,167
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4500 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium A1020 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Pentium A1020
Socket
LGA775
FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed
800
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: false (Core 2 Duo E4500) / not specified (Pentium A1020). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4500 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4600+.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Pentium A1020
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
false
💰

Value Analysis

The Core 2 Duo E4500 launched at $133 MSRP, while the Pentium A1020 debuted at $86. At current prices ($10 vs $86), the Core 2 Duo E4500 is $76 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4500 delivers 116.5 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Pentium A1020 — making the Core 2 Duo E4500 the 158.3% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Pentium A1020
MSRP
$133
$86-35%
Avg Price (30d)
$10-88%
$86
Performance per Dollar
116.5+757%
13.6
Release Date
2007
2016