Core i3-3229Y vs Core 2 Duo E4300

Core i3-3229Y

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.4 GHz2013

Core 2 Duo E4300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2006

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-3229Y

2 / 4

1,014

+0.9%

1,005

0.0%

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 i3-3229Y is positioned at rank 437 and the Core 2 Duo E4300 is on rank 1015, so the Core i3-3229Y offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3229Y

#425

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

579%

#426

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

570%

#427

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

523%

#428

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

521%

#429

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

516%

#431

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

499%

#432

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

478%

#433

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

477%

#434

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

464%

#437

Core i3-3229Y

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4300

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

35064%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

33132%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

24056%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

7247%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5740%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

5022%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2876%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2839%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2585%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2584%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2556%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2487%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2452%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2442%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2420%

#1015

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

100%

#1017

Core 2 Duo E4500

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

99%

#1019

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

97%

#1020

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

97%

#1021

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

97%

#1022

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

96%

#1023

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

95%

#1024

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

95%

#1025

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

94%

#1027

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

91%

#1028

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

91%

#1029

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

90%

#1030

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i3-3229Y (2013) utilizes 22 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E4300
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($5)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) / 22 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo E4300 (2006) relies on 65 nm technology and DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E4300
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($5)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i3-3229Y Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo E4300 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3229Y and Core 2 Duo E4300

Core i3-3229Y

The Core i3-3229Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,014 points. Launch price was $250.

Core 2 Duo E4300

The Core 2 Duo E4300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $249.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3229Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E4300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core i3-3229Y versus 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — a 25% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4300 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-3229Y uses the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses Allendale (2006−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3229Y scores 1,014 against the Core 2 Duo E4300's 1,005 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-3229Y. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3229Y vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4300.

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E4300
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	1.8 GHz+29%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	1.8 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-Y (2013)	Allendale (2006−2009)
PassMark	1,014	1,005
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3229Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-3229Y versus 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — the Core 2 Duo E4300 supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3229Y supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM77,UM77 (Core i3-3229Y) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4300).

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Core 2 Duo E4300
Socket	BGA1023	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	800+26567%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+209715100%	16
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	❌
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3229Y) vs false (Core 2 Duo E4300). The Core i3-3229Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3229Y targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3229Y rivals Athlon Silver 3050GE; Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.