CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E8500
Pentium E5200
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 Pentium E5200 is on rank 887, 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 Pentium E5200
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Pentium E5200 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Pentium E5200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+76%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($26) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E8500 and Pentium E5200
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.
Pentium E5200
The Pentium E5200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Agosto 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,315 points. Launch price was $99.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E8500 and Pentium E5200 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.17 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8500 versus 2.5 GHz on the Pentium E5200 — a 23.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8500 (base: 3.16 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8500 scores 1,297 against the Pentium E5200's 1,315 — a 1.4% lead for the Pentium E5200. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Pentium E5200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.17 GHz+27% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.16 GHz+26% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+200% | 2 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,297 | 1,315+1% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Pentium E5200 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo E8500) / not specified (Pentium E5200). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E8500 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Pentium E5200 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E8500 launched at $26 MSRP, while the Pentium E5200 debuted at $84. At current prices ($26 vs $15), the Pentium E5200 is $11 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E8500 delivers 49.9 pts/$ vs 87.7 pts/$ for the Pentium E5200 — making the Pentium E5200 the 54.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8500 | Pentium E5200 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $26-69% | $84 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $26 | $15-42% |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.9 | 87.7+76% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2008 |
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