CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E8500
Atom x7-Z8750
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 E8500 is positioned at rank 427 and the Atom x7-Z8750 is on rank 664, so the Core 2 Duo E8500 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 E8500
Performance Per Dollar Atom x7-Z8750
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Atom x7-Z8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Atom x7-Z8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) | ✅ 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.
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Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E8500 and Atom x7-Z8750
Core 2 Duo E8500
The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 3.16 GHz, with boost up to 3.17 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: 1,297 points. Launch price was $249.
Atom x7-Z8750
The Atom x7-Z8750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.56 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1380. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,294 points. Launch price was $37.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E8500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Atom x7-Z8750 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x7-Z8750 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.17 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8500 versus 2.56 GHz on the Atom x7-Z8750 — a 21.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8500 (base: 3.16 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8500 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Atom x7-Z8750 uses Cherry Trail (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8500 scores 1,297 against the Atom x7-Z8750's 1,294 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8500. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Atom x7-Z8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.17 GHz+24% | 2.56 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.16 GHz+98% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+200% | 2 MB |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Cherry Trail (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 1,297 | 1,294 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E8500 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Atom x7-Z8750 uses UTFCBGA1380 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8500 versus LPDDR3-1600 on the Atom x7-Z8750 — the Core 2 Duo E8500 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E8500 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E8500) vs 2 (Atom x7-Z8750) — the Core 2 Duo E8500 offers 14 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E8500) and Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x7-Z8750).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Atom x7-Z8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | UTFCBGA1380 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | LPDDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+700% | 2 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E8500) / not specified (Atom x7-Z8750). The Atom x7-Z8750 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)), while the Core 2 Duo E8500 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8500 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Atom x7-Z8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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