Core 2 Duo E8235 vs Pentium 2117U

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 E8235 vs Pentium 2117U 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 E8235 vs Pentium 2117U: 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 E8235

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 44W instead of 512W, a 468W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium 2117U

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Duo E8235 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,009 vs 1,020).
❌1063.6% higher power demand at 512W vs 44W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8235 better than Pentium 2117U?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8235 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% 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 E8235 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.6% 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 E8235 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo E8235 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo E8235 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Pentium 2117U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8235 vs Pentium 2117U Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E8235

The Core 2 Duo E8235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $249.

Pentium 2117U

The Pentium 2117U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,009 points. Launch price was $134.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E8235 and Pentium 2117U share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8235 versus 1.8 GHz on the Pentium 2117U — a 43.5% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8235 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8235 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium 2117U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8235 scores 1,020 against the Pentium 2117U's 1,009 — a 1.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8235.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8235	Pentium 2117U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+56%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+56%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	—	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,020+1%	1,009

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8235 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium 2117U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.