Core 2 Duo E7600 vs Pentium E6800

Intel

Core 2 Duo E7600

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 0.07 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium E6800

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 0.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo E7600 vs Pentium E6800 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core 2 Duo E7600 vs Pentium E6800 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 E7600 vs Pentium E6800: 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 E7600

2009

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Pentium E6800.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,150 vs 1,155).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.6 vs 13.4 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium E6800

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $47 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
  • Delivers 55.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7600.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E6800 better than Core 2 Duo E7600?
Yes. Pentium E6800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.4% 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 E6800 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 371.4% higher max boost clock.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium E6800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium E6800 is the better buy right now. Pentium E6800 comes in $47 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% higher PassMark. It is also 55.3% better value on MSRP (13.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$), 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 E6800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) 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 E7600 vs Pentium E6800 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo E7600

The Core 2 Duo E7600 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 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 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: 1,150 points. Launch price was $249.

Intel

Pentium E6800

The Pentium E6800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,155 points. Launch price was $831.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E7600 and Pentium E6800 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7600 versus 0.33 GHz on the Pentium E6800 — a 130% clock advantage for the Pentium E6800 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). Both are built on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7600 scores 1,150 against the Pentium E6800's 1,155 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium E6800. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7600Pentium E6800
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
0.07 GHz
0.33 GHz+371%
Base Clock
3.06 GHz
3.33 GHz+9%
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
3 MB (total)+50%
2 MB (total)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark
1,150
1,155
Geekbench 6 Single
422
Geekbench 6 Multi
690
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7600Pentium E6800
Socket
LGA775
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7600) / not specified (Pentium E6800). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7600 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7600 rivals Athlon II X2 250.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7600Pentium E6800
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E7600 was priced at $133, while the Pentium E6800 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($133 vs $86), Pentium E6800 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7600 delivers 8.6 pts/$ vs 13.4 pts/$ for the Pentium E6800 — making the Pentium E6800 the 43.3% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E7600Pentium E6800
MSRP
$133
$86-35%
Performance per Dollar
8.6
13.4+56%
Release Date
2009
2010

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