CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6550
Celeron 1020E
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 Celeron 1020E is on rank 951, so the Celeron 1020E 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 Celeron 1020E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Celeron 1020E |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Celeron 1020E |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6550 and Celeron 1020E
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.
Celeron 1020E
The Celeron 1020E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,406 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6550 and Celeron 1020E share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus 2.2 GHz on the Celeron 1020E — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6550 (base: 2.33 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Celeron 1020E uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6550 scores 1,395 against the Celeron 1020E's 1,406 — a 0.8% lead for the Celeron 1020E. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6550 vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron 1020E.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Celeron 1020E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.33 GHz+6% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz+6% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 22 nm-66% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,395 | 1,406 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron 1020E uses G2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus DDR3-1600 on the Celeron 1020E — the Core 2 Duo E6550 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6550) and QM77,HM76 (Celeron 1020E).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Celeron 1020E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | G2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6550) vs VT-x (Celeron 1020E). The Celeron 1020E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Core 2 Duo E6550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 1020E targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6550 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+; Celeron 1020E rivals Pentium 2020M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Celeron 1020E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6550 launched at $163 MSRP, while the Celeron 1020E debuted at $86. At current prices ($20 vs $20), the Celeron 1020E is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6550 delivers 69.8 pts/$ vs 70.3 pts/$ for the Celeron 1020E — making the Celeron 1020E the 0.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Celeron 1020E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163 | $86-47% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20 | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 69.8 | 70.3 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2013 |
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