Core 2 Duo E7200 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2200

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 E7200 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2200 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 E7200 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2200: 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 E7200

2008

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Pentium Dual-Core E2200.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 9.8 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

2007

Why buy it

✅Costs $33 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 9.8 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (985 vs 1,002).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7200.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E7200 better than Pentium Dual-Core E2200?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E7200 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E7200 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E7200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo E7200 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E7200 comes in 33.0% more expensive on MSRP at $133 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium Dual-Core E2200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 30.7% better value on paper (9.8 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Core 2 Duo E7200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo E7200 vs Pentium Dual-Core E2200 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

The Pentium Dual-Core E2200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 985 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E7200 and Pentium Dual-Core E2200 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7200 versus 2.2 GHz on the Pentium Dual-Core E2200 — a 14% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7200. The Core 2 Duo E7200 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium Dual-Core E2200 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7200 scores 1,002 against the Pentium Dual-Core E2200's 985 — a 1.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7200. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7200	Pentium Dual-Core E2200
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz+15%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	3 MB (total)+200%	1 MB (total)
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	1,002+2%	985
Geekbench 6 Single	368	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	666	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Both support up to DDR2-800 memory speed. The Core 2 Duo E7200 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E7200) vs 0 (Pentium Dual-Core E2200) — the Core 2 Duo E7200 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7200	Pentium Dual-Core E2200
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB+100%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Duo E7200 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x virtualization. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7200 targets Legacy Desktop, Pentium Dual-Core E2200 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7200 rivals Athlon II X2 245.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7200	Pentium Dual-Core E2200
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E7200 was priced at $133, while the Pentium Dual-Core E2200 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($133 vs $100), Pentium Dual-Core E2200 was $33 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7200 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 9.8 pts/$ for the Pentium Dual-Core E2200 — making the Pentium Dual-Core E2200 the 26.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7200	Pentium Dual-Core E2200
MSRP	$133	$100-25%
Performance per Dollar	7.5	9.8+31%
Release Date	2008	2007

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