CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E7200
Athlon II X2 260u
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 E7200 is positioned at rank 1040 and the Athlon II X2 260u is on rank 873, so the Athlon II X2 260u 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 E7200
Performance Per Dollar Athlon II X2 260u
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7200 | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($133) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Regor (2009−2013) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7200 | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1214%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($133) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 E7200 and Athlon II X2 260u
Core 2 Duo E7200
The Core 2 Duo E7200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $249.
Athlon II X2 260u
The Athlon II X2 260u is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 990 points. Launch price was $83.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E7200 and Athlon II X2 260u share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7200 versus 1.8 GHz on the Athlon II X2 260u — a 33.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7200. The Core 2 Duo E7200 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Athlon II X2 260u uses Regor (2009−2013) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7200 scores 1,002 against the Athlon II X2 260u's 990 — a 1.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7200. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7200 | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.53 GHz+41% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (total)+200% | 1 MB |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Regor (2009−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,002+1% | 990 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 368 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 666 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E7200 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon II X2 260u uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo E7200 versus 1333 on the Athlon II X2 260u — the Athlon II X2 260u supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 260u 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E7200) vs 0 (Athlon II X2 260u) — the Core 2 Duo E7200 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G33,G41,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7200) and AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 260u).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7200 | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1333+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core 2 Duo E7200 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7200) vs true (Athlon II X2 260u). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7200 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7200 rivals Athlon II X2 245; Athlon II X2 260u rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7200 | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E7200 launched at $133 MSRP, while the Athlon II X2 260u debuted at $60. At current prices ($133 vs $10), the Athlon II X2 260u is $123 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7200 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 99.0 pts/$ for the Athlon II X2 260u — making the Athlon II X2 260u the 171.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7200 | Athlon II X2 260u |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $133 | $60-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $133 | $10-92% |
| Performance per Dollar | 7.5 | 99.0+1220% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2009 |
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