Core 2 Duo E6300 vs E-350

Intel

Core 2 Duo E6300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.87 GHz2006
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

E-350

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo E6300 vs E-350 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core 2 Duo E6300 vs E-350 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 E6300 vs E-350: 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 E6300

2006

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike E-350.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.5 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($163 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
  • 261.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 18W.

E-350

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $113 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).
  • Delivers 224.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.0 vs 6.5 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).
  • Draws 18W instead of 65W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,049 vs 1,055).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E6300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E6300 better than E-350?
Yes. Core 2 Duo E6300 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 0.6% 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 E6300 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 E6300 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 E6300 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core 2 Duo E6300 comes in 226.0% more expensive on MSRP at $163 MSRP versus $50 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. E-350 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.2% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
E-350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E6300 vs E-350 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

E-350

The E-350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zacate (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,049 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E6300 and E-350 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6300 versus 1.6 GHz on the E-350 — 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 E-350 uses Zacate (2011−2013) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6300 scores 1,055 against the E-350's 1,049 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6300. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E6300E-350
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
1.87 GHz+17%
1.6 GHz
Base Clock
1.86 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
2 MB
512K (per core)+25500%
Process
65 nm
40 nm-38%
Architecture
Conroe (2006−2007)
Zacate (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,055
1,049
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E6300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the E-350 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E6300E-350
Socket
LGA775
FT1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
1066
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E6300) / not specified (E-350). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E6300E-350
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E6300 was priced at $163, while the E-350 came in at $50. On launch pricing ($163 vs $50), E-350 was $113 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6300 delivers 6.5 pts/$ vs 21.0 pts/$ for the E-350 — making the E-350 the 105.7% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E6300E-350
MSRP
$163
$50-69%
Performance per Dollar
6.5
21.0+223%
Release Date
2006
2011

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