Core 2 Duo E8235 vs Pentium E2220

Intel

Core 2 Duo E8235

2 Cores2 Thrd44 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium E2220

65 WW2008
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo E8235 vs Pentium E2220 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 E8235 vs Pentium E2220 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 E2220: 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

  • Draws 44W instead of 65W, a 21W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,020 vs 1,028).

Pentium E2220

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $32 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo E8235 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 47.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 44W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium E2220 better than Core 2 Duo E8235?
    Yes. Pentium E2220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Pentium E2220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 E2220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium E2220 is the better buy right now. Pentium E2220 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $32 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (32.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2 Duo E8235 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core 2 Duo E8235 vs Pentium E2220 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    Intel

    Pentium E2220

    The Pentium E2220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core 2 Duo E8235 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8235 scores 1,020 against the Pentium E2220's 1,028 — a 0.8% lead for the Pentium E2220.

    FeatureCore 2 Duo E8235Pentium E2220
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz+17%
    2.4 GHz
    L3 Cache
    1 MB L2 Cache
    L2 Cache
    6 MB (total)
    Process
    45 nm-31%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Penryn (2008−2011)
    PassMark
    1,020
    1,028
    Geekbench 6 Single
    330
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    590
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core 2 Duo E8235 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium E2220 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore 2 Duo E8235Pentium E2220
    Socket
    P
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-800
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo E8235) / None (Pentium E2220). Primary use case: Pentium E2220 targets Legacy Desktop.

    FeatureCore 2 Duo E8235Pentium E2220
    Integrated GPU
    No
    IGPU Model
    None
    Unlocked
    Yes
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    None
    Target Use
    Legacy Desktop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core 2 Duo E8235 was priced at $0, while the Pentium E2220 came in at $32. On launch pricing ($0 vs $32), Core 2 Duo E8235 was $32 cheaper.

    FeatureCore 2 Duo E8235Pentium E2220
    MSRP
    $0-100%
    $32
    Performance per Dollar
    32.1
    Release Date
    2009
    2008

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