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 E7300 vs Core i3-2340UE 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 E7300 vs Core i3-2340UE: 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 E7300

2008

Why buy it

✅+79.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $67 less on MSRP ($133 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 51.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.7 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i3-2340UE.

Trade-offs

❌282.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2340UE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2340UE

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 65W, a 48W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core 2 Duo E7300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (230 vs 412).
❌Lower PassMark (1,545 vs 1,555).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 11.7 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E7300 better than Core i3-2340UE?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E7300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E7300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 E7300 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?

Core 2 Duo E7300 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E7300 comes in $67 cheaper on MSRP at $133 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 51.3% better value on MSRP (11.7 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2340UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E7300 vs Core i3-2340UE Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E7300

The Core 2 Duo E7300 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 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: 1,555 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-2340UE

The Core i3-2340UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,545 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E7300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2340UE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2340UE — a 69% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7300. The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2340UE uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7300 scores 1,555 against the Core i3-2340UE's 1,545 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 412 vs 230, a 56.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2340UE.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Core i3-2340UE
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz+105%	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB (total)	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,555	1,545
Geekbench 6 Single	412+79%	230
Geekbench 6 Multi	725	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2340UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2340UE — the Core i3-2340UE supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2340UE supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G33,G41,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7300) and HM65,QM67 (Core i3-2340UE).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Core i3-2340UE
Socket	LGA775	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	DDR3-1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Duo E7300 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7300) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2340UE). The Core i3-2340UE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo E7300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7300 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i3-2340UE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7300 rivals Athlon II X2 245; Core i3-2340UE rivals Embedded G-Series.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Core i3-2340UE
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E7300 was priced at $133, while the Core i3-2340UE came in at $200. On launch pricing ($133 vs $200), Core 2 Duo E7300 was $67 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7300 delivers 11.7 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-2340UE — making the Core 2 Duo E7300 the 40.9% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Core i3-2340UE
MSRP	$133-34%	$200
Performance per Dollar	11.7+52%	7.7
Release Date	2008	2011

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