Core 2 Duo E7300 vs Pentium G870

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 Pentium G870 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 Pentium G870: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Pentium G870.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,555 vs 1,562).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.7 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium G870

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $47 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
✅Delivers 55.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.2 vs 11.7 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7300.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G870 better than Core 2 Duo E7300?

Yes. Pentium G870 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, 0.5% 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, Pentium G870 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, Pentium G870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G870 is the better buy right now. Pentium G870 comes in $47 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 55.3% better value on MSRP (18.2 vs 11.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G870 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) 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 E7300 vs Pentium G870 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.

Pentium G870

The Pentium G870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,562 points. Launch price was $97.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E7300 and Pentium G870 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus 3.1 GHz on the Pentium G870 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Pentium G870 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G870 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7300 scores 1,555 against the Pentium G870's 1,562 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G870. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G870.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Pentium G870
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz	3.1 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3.1 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB (total)+1100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,555	1,562
Geekbench 6 Single	412	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	725	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G870 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Pentium G870
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7300) / not specified (Pentium G870). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7300 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7300 rivals Athlon II X2 245.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Pentium G870
Integrated GPU	No	—
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E7300 was priced at $133, while the Pentium G870 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($133 vs $86), Pentium G870 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7300 delivers 11.7 pts/$ vs 18.2 pts/$ for the Pentium G870 — making the Pentium G870 the 43.4% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Pentium G870
MSRP	$133	$86-35%
Performance per Dollar	11.7	18.2+56%
Release Date	2008	2012

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