CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6550
Pentium G6951
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 Pentium G6951 is on rank 892, so the Pentium G6951 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 Pentium G6951
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Pentium G6951 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Pentium G6951 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+152%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6550 and Pentium G6951
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.
Pentium G6951
The Pentium G6951 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,383 points. Launch price was $94.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6550 and Pentium G6951 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G6951 — a 18.3% clock advantage for the Pentium G6951 (base: 2.33 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Pentium G6951 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6550 scores 1,395 against the Pentium G6951's 1,383 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6550. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6550 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G6951.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Pentium G6951 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.33 GHz | 2.8 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz | 2.8 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,395 | 1,383 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G6951 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Pentium G6951 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E6550) / not specified (Pentium G6951). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6550 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Pentium G6951 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6550 launched at $163 MSRP, while the Pentium G6951 debuted at $89. At current prices ($20 vs $50), the Core 2 Duo E6550 is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6550 delivers 69.8 pts/$ vs 27.7 pts/$ for the Pentium G6951 — making the Core 2 Duo E6550 the 86.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Pentium G6951 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163 | $89-45% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-60% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 69.8+152% | 27.7 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2010 |
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