CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E4700
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
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 E4700 is positioned at rank 1035 and the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is on rank 1053, so the Core 2 Duo E4700 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4700
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E4700 | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E4700 | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
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 E4700 and Athlon 64 X2 3600+
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.
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E4700 and Athlon 64 X2 3600+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4700 versus 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4700. The Core 2 Duo E4700 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4700 scores 1,011 against the Athlon 64 X2 3600+'s 1,020 — a 0.9% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 3600+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4700 | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz+30% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm-28% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Allendale (2006−2009) | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,011 | 1,020 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E4700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4700 versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ — the Core 2 Duo E4700 supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E4700) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) — the Core 2 Duo E4700 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4700) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4700 | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800+39900% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: false (Core 2 Duo E4700) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 3600+). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4700 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5000+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4700 | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | false | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E4700 launched at $133 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ debuted at $150. At current prices ($10 vs $10), the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4700 delivers 101.1 pts/$ vs 102.0 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ — making the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ the 0.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4700 | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $133-11% | $150 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | $10 |
| Performance per Dollar | 101.1 | 102.0 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2005 |
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