CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6550
A6-3430MX
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 E6550 is positioned at rank 1022 and the A6-3430MX is on rank 822, so the A6-3430MX 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 E6550
Performance Per Dollar A6-3430MX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | A6-3430MX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | A6-3430MX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ 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 E6550 and A6-3430MX
Core 2 Duo E6550
The Core 2 Duo E6550 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 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 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: 1,395 points. Launch price was $249.
A6-3430MX
The A6-3430MX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,389 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the A6-3430MX offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A6-3430MX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus 2.4 GHz on the A6-3430MX — a 3% clock advantage for the A6-3430MX (base: 2.33 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the A6-3430MX uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6550 scores 1,395 against the A6-3430MX's 1,389 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6550. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | A6-3430MX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.33 GHz | 2.4 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz+37% | 1.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+300% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 1,395 | 1,389 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 254 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the A6-3430MX uses FS1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus DDR3-1600 on the A6-3430MX — the Core 2 Duo E6550 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6550 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | A6-3430MX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | FS1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6550) vs AMD-V (A6-3430MX). The A6-3430MX includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6520G), while the Core 2 Duo E6550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3430MX targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6550 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+; A6-3430MX rivals Core i3-2350M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | A6-3430MX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon HD 6520G |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Laptop |
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