Core 2 Duo E6300 vs Atom Z2560
Core 2 Duo E6300
Atom Z2560
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 E6300 is positioned at rank 1058 and the Atom Z2560 is on rank 104, so the Atom Z2560 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 E6300
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z2560
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Atom Z2560 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clovertrail (2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Atom Z2560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($5) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 E6300 and Atom Z2560
Core 2 Duo E6300
The Core 2 Duo E6300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 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: 1,055 points. Launch price was $249.
Atom Z2560
The Atom Z2560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Clovertrail (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FC-MB4760. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,056 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom Z2560's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6300 versus 1.6 GHz on the Atom Z2560 — a 15.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6300. The Core 2 Duo E6300 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Atom Z2560 uses Clovertrail (2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6300 scores 1,055 against the Atom Z2560's 1,056 — a 0.1% lead for the Atom Z2560. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Atom Z2560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz+17% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Clovertrail (2013) |
| PassMark | 1,055 | 1,056 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Atom Z2560 uses FC-MB4760 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6300 versus LPDDR2-1066 on the Atom Z2560 — the Core 2 Duo E6300 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6300 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 2 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6300) vs 0 (Atom Z2560) — the Core 2 Duo E6300 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6300) and Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2560).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Atom Z2560 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | FC-MB4760 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+53200% | LPDDR2-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 2 GB+13107100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E6300) / not specified (Atom Z2560). The Atom Z2560 includes integrated graphics (PowerVR SGX544MP2), while the Core 2 Duo E6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Atom Z2560 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | PowerVR SGX544MP2 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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