Core 2 Duo E8700 vs PRO A8-9600B

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs PRO A8-9600B Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Duo E8700

2 / 2

2,212

+0.8%

2,195

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 E8700 vs PRO A8-9600B 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 E8700 vs PRO A8-9600B: 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 E8700

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $256 MSRP, while PRO A8-9600B mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.

PRO A8-9600B

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,195 vs 2,212).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8700 better than PRO A8-9600B?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E8700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $256 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

PRO A8-9600B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs PRO A8-9600B Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E8700

The Core 2 Duo E8700 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 points. Launch price was $249.

PRO A8-9600B

The PRO A8-9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,195 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the PRO A8-9600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the PRO A8-9600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8700 versus 3.3 GHz on the PRO A8-9600B — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8700 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the PRO A8-9600B uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8700 scores 2,212 against the PRO A8-9600B's 2,195 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8700.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8700	PRO A8-9600B
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+46%	2.4 GHz
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+200%	2048 kB
Process	45 nm	28 nm-38%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,212	2,195

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the PRO A8-9600B uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.