
Core 2 Duo E6420

Core 2 Solo SU3300
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 Core 2 Solo SU3300 is on rank 1211, so the Core 2 Duo E6420 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 Core 2 Solo SU3300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Core 2 Solo SU3300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Core 2 Solo SU3300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+395%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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

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Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6420 and Core 2 Solo SU3300

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.

Core 2 Solo SU3300
The Core 2 Solo SU3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,247 points. Launch price was $262.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6420 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 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 1.2 GHz on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — a 55.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6420. The Core 2 Duo E6420 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6420 scores 1,235 against the Core 2 Solo SU3300's 1,247 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Solo SU3300.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Core 2 Solo SU3300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2+100% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz+78% | 1.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+33% | 3 MB |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,235 | 1,247 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6420 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6420 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — 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. Memory channels: 2 (Core 2 Duo E6420) vs 1 (Core 2 Solo SU3300). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6420) vs 0 (Core 2 Solo SU3300) — the Core 2 Duo E6420 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Core 2 Solo SU3300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+53200% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 4 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6420) vs VT-x (Core 2 Solo SU3300). Primary use case: Core 2 Solo SU3300 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6420 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Core 2 Solo SU3300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6420 launched at $183 MSRP, while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 debuted at $262. At current prices ($10 vs $50), the Core 2 Duo E6420 is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6420 delivers 123.5 pts/$ vs 24.9 pts/$ for the Core 2 Solo SU3300 — making the Core 2 Duo E6420 the 132.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6420 | Core 2 Solo SU3300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $183-30% | $262 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-80% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 123.5+396% | 24.9 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2008 |
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