Core 2 Duo E8235 vs Pentium E6300

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 E6300 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 E6300: 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 1,032).

Pentium E6300

2009

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $84 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 E6300 better than Core 2 Duo E8235?

Yes. Pentium E6300 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, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium E6300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium E6300 is the better buy right now. Pentium E6300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $84 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium E6300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 E8235 vs Pentium E6300 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 E6300

The Pentium E6300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 May 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 1,032 points. Launch price was $40.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E8235 and Pentium E6300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8235 versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium E6300 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8235 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium E6300 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8235 scores 1,020 against the Pentium E6300's 1,032 — a 1.2% lead for the Pentium E6300.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8235	Pentium E6300
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+200%	2 MB (total)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,020	1,032+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8235 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium E6300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8235	Pentium E6300
Socket	P	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E8235 was priced at $0, while the Pentium E6300 came in at $84. On launch pricing ($0 vs $84), Core 2 Duo E8235 was $84 cheaper.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8235	Pentium E6300
MSRP	$0-100%	$84
Performance per Dollar	—	12.3
Release Date	2009	2009

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