Core 2 Duo E8335 vs Core i7-620UM

Intel

Core 2 Duo E8335

2 Cores2 Thrd44 WWMax: 0.93 GHz2009
VS
Intel

Core i7-620UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 2.13 GHz2010

Core 2 Duo E8335 vs Core i7-620UM 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 E8335 vs Core i7-620UM 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 E8335 vs Core i7-620UM: 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 E8335

2009

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.3% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Costs $78 less on MSRP ($200 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 39.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 5.5 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌144.4% higher power demand at 44W vs 18W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-620UM

2010

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 18W instead of 44W, a 26W reduction.
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Core 2 Duo E8335 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,091 vs 1,094).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.9 vs 5.5 PassMark/$ ($278 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620UM better than Core 2 Duo E8335?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-620UM is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8335 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8335 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-620UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-620UM comes in 39.0% more expensive on MSRP at $278 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo E8335 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 39.4% better value on paper (5.5 vs 3.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on P.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-620UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8335 vs Core i7-620UM Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo E8335

The Core 2 Duo E8335 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.933 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 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: 1,094 points. Launch price was $249.

Intel

Core i7-620UM

The Core i7-620UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.06 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,091 points. Launch price was $278.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8335 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-620UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.93 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8335 versus 2.13 GHz on the Core i7-620UM β€” a 78.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-620UM (base: 2.933 GHz vs 1.06 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8335 uses the Penryn (2008βˆ’2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-620UM uses Arrandale (2010βˆ’2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8335 scores 1,094 against the Core i7-620UM's 1,091 β€” a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8335.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E8335Core i7-620UM
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
0.93 GHz
2.13 GHz+129%
Base Clock
2.933 GHz+177%
1.06 GHz
L3 Cache
β€”
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
6 MB (total)+2300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Penryn (2008βˆ’2011)
Arrandale (2010βˆ’2011)
PassMark
1,094
1,091
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
350
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
700
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8335 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-620UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E8335Core i7-620UM
Socket
P
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
β€”
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
β€”
8 GB
RAM Channels
β€”
2
ECC Support
β€”
No
PCIe Lanes
β€”
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo E8335) / VT-x (Core i7-620UM). The Core i7-620UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo E8335 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620UM targets Ultra-Portable Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E8335Core i7-620UM
Integrated GPU
β€”
Yes
IGPU Model
β€”
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
β€”
No
AVX-512
β€”
No
Virtualization
β€”
VT-x
Target Use
β€”
Ultra-Portable Laptop
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E8335 was priced at $200, while the Core i7-620UM came in at $278. On launch pricing ($200 vs $278), Core 2 Duo E8335 was $78 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E8335 delivers 5.5 pts/$ vs 3.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-620UM β€” making the Core 2 Duo E8335 the 32.9% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E8335Core i7-620UM
MSRP
$200-28%
$278
Performance per Dollar
5.5+41%
3.9
Release Date
2009
2010

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