Core i7-3555LE vs Core 2 Duo E8700
Core i7-3555LE
Core 2 Duo E8700
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 i7-3555LE is positioned at rank 1150 and the Core 2 Duo E8700 is on rank 1020, so the Core 2 Duo E8700 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3555LE
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3555LE | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3555LE | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+822%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3555LE and Core 2 Duo E8700
Core i7-3555LE
The Core i7-3555LE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,238 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3555LE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo E8700's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3555LE versus 3.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8700 — a 9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8700 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-3555LE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8700 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3555LE scores 2,238 against the Core 2 Duo E8700's 2,212 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3555LE.
| Feature | Core i7-3555LE | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,238+1% | 2,212 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3555LE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8700 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3555LE | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3555LE launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E8700 debuted at $256. At current prices ($280 vs $30), the Core 2 Duo E8700 is $250 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3555LE delivers 8.0 pts/$ vs 73.7 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8700 — making the Core 2 Duo E8700 the 160.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3555LE | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $256-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $280 | $30-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 8.0 | 73.7+821% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2009 |
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