
Core 2 Duo E8300 vs Core 2 Duo E7400

Core 2 Duo E8300

Core 2 Duo E7400
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo E8300 is positioned at rank 1060 and the Core 2 Duo E7400 is on rank 544, so the Core 2 Duo E7400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8300
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E7400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8300 | Core 2 Duo E7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8300 | Core 2 Duo E7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 E8300 and Core 2 Duo E7400

Core 2 Duo E8300
The Core 2 Duo E8300 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 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 2.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,039 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Duo E7400
The Core 2 Duo E7400 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 1,043 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E8300 and Core 2 Duo E7400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8300 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7400 — a 1.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8300 (base: 2.83 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8300 scores 1,039 against the Core 2 Duo E7400's 1,043 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8300 | Core 2 Duo E7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.83 GHz+1% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.83 GHz+1% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+100% | 3 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,039 | 1,043 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 345 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 771 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8300 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E7400 — the Core 2 Duo E7400 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,P45,G33,G31 (Core 2 Duo E8300) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8300 | Core 2 Duo E7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+104857500% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E8300) vs true (Core 2 Duo E7400). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E8300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7400 rivals Athlon II X2 245.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8300 | Core 2 Duo E7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
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