CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E7300
Ryzen 5 5600
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. The Core 2 Duo E7300 is positioned at rank #969 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E7300
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($133) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1503%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($133) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
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 E7300 and Ryzen 5 5600
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.
Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E7300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 48.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7300 scores 1,555 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 173.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 412 vs 2,052, a 133.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 725 vs 8,600 (168.9% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7300 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz | 4.4 GHz+65% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 3.5 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (total)+500% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 7 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 1,555 | 21,550+1286% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 11,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 412 | 2,052+398% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 725 | 8,600+1086% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 66.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E7300) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G33,G41,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7300) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 4.0+264% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR4-3200+100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 128 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7300) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7300 targets Legacy Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7300 rivals Athlon II X2 245.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E7300 launched at $133 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($133 vs $115), the Ryzen 5 5600 is $18 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7300 delivers 11.7 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 176.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $133-33% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $133 | $115-14% |
| Performance per Dollar | 11.7 | 187.4+1502% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2022 |
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