Core 2 Duo E6550 vs Pentium N3710

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.

Core 2 Duo E6550 vs Pentium N3710 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Duo E6550 vs Pentium N3710: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Duo E6550

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Pentium N3710.

Trade-offs

❌
1.2% HIGHER MSRP
$163 MSRPvs$161 MSRP
❌3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.

Pentium N3710

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $2 less on MSRP ($161 MSRP vs $163 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,386 vs 1,395).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E6550.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium N3710 better than Core 2 Duo E6550?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium N3710 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E6550 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E6550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Pentium N3710 is the better buy right now. Pentium N3710 comes in $2 cheaper on MSRP at $161 MSRP versus $163 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo E6550 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 0.6% better value on MSRP (8.6 vs 8.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium N3710 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E6550 vs Pentium N3710 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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 N3710

The Pentium N3710 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.56 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,386 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E6550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Pentium N3710 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium N3710 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus 2.56 GHz on the Pentium N3710 — a 9.4% clock advantage for the Pentium N3710 (base: 2.33 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Pentium N3710 uses Braswell (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6550 scores 1,395 against the Pentium N3710's 1,386 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6550. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E6550	Pentium N3710
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.33 GHz	2.56 GHz+10%
Base Clock	2.33 GHz+46%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	4 MB+100%	2 MB
Process	65 nm	14 nm-78%
Architecture	Conroe (2006−2007)	Braswell (2015−2016)
PassMark	1,395	1,386

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium N3710 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E6550	Pentium N3710
Socket	LGA775	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E6550) / not specified (Pentium N3710). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6550 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E6550	Pentium N3710
Integrated GPU	No	—
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E6550 was priced at $163, while the Pentium N3710 came in at $161. On launch pricing ($163 vs $161), Pentium N3710 was $2 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6550 delivers 8.6 pts/$ vs 8.6 pts/$ for the Pentium N3710 — making the Pentium N3710 the 0.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E6550	Pentium N3710
MSRP	$163	$161-1%
Performance per Dollar	8.6	8.6
Release Date	2007	2016

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