CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6420
Athlon 64 TF-20
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 E6420 is positioned at rank 1054 and the Athlon 64 TF-20 is on rank 790, so the Athlon 64 TF-20 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 E6420
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 TF-20
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Athlon 64 TF-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sherman (2009) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Athlon 64 TF-20 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6420 and Athlon 64 TF-20
Core 2 Duo E6420
The Core 2 Duo E6420 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $249.
Athlon 64 TF-20
The Athlon 64 TF-20 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Sherman (2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g1. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,245 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6420 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Athlon 64 TF-20 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core 2 Duo E6420 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6420 versus 1.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 TF-20 — a 28.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6420. The Core 2 Duo E6420 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Athlon 64 TF-20 uses Sherman (2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6420 scores 1,235 against the Athlon 64 TF-20's 1,245 — a 0.8% lead for the Athlon 64 TF-20.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Athlon 64 TF-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2+100% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz+33% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+700% | 512 kB |
| Process | 65 nm | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Sherman (2009) |
| PassMark | 1,235 | 1,245 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6420 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon 64 TF-20 uses S1g1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6420 versus DDR2-667 on the Athlon 64 TF-20 — the Core 2 Duo E6420 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6420 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6420) and Socket S1 (Athlon 64 TF-20).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Athlon 64 TF-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | S1g1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+53200% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 4 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6420) vs false (Athlon 64 TF-20). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6420 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Athlon 64 TF-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | false |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6420 launched at $183 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 TF-20 debuted at $50. At current prices ($10 vs $10), the Athlon 64 TF-20 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6420 delivers 123.5 pts/$ vs 124.5 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 TF-20 — making the Athlon 64 TF-20 the 0.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Athlon 64 TF-20 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $183 | $50-73% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | $10 |
| Performance per Dollar | 123.5 | 124.5 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2009 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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