
Core 2 Duo E6750 vs Celeron 2981U

Core 2 Duo E6750

Celeron 2981U
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 E6750 is positioned at rank 1069 and the Celeron 2981U is on rank 426, so the Celeron 2981U 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 E6750
Performance Per Dollar Celeron 2981U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6750 | Celeron 2981U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($137) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6750 | Celeron 2981U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+807%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($137) |
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 E6750 and Celeron 2981U

Core 2 Duo E6750
The Core 2 Duo E6750 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 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: 1,029 points. Launch price was $249.

Celeron 2981U
The Celeron 2981U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,036 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6750 and Celeron 2981U share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6750 versus 1.6 GHz on the Celeron 2981U — a 50.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6750 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6750 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Celeron 2981U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6750 scores 1,029 against the Celeron 2981U's 1,036 — a 0.7% lead for the Celeron 2981U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6750 vs 2 MB on the Celeron 2981U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6750 | Celeron 2981U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz+67% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+66% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+700% | 512 kB |
| Process | 65 nm | 22 nm-66% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,029 | 1,036 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6750 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron 2981U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6750 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Celeron 2981U — the Core 2 Duo E6750 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6750) vs 12 (Celeron 2981U) — the Core 2 Duo E6750 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6750) and Wildcat Point-LP (Celeron 2981U).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6750 | Celeron 2981U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6750) vs VT-x (Celeron 2981U). The Celeron 2981U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Haswell)), while the Core 2 Duo E6750 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 2981U targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6750 rivals Phenom X3 8450; Celeron 2981U rivals Pentium 2117U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6750 | Celeron 2981U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | HD Graphics (Haswell) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6750 launched at $183 MSRP, while the Celeron 2981U debuted at $137.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6750 | Celeron 2981U |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $183 | $137-25% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | — |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2014 |
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