Pentium E6700 vs Phenom X3 8450

Intel

Pentium E6700

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X3 8450

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Pentium E6700 vs Phenom X3 8450 Performance Spectrum

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.

Pentium E6700 vs Phenom X3 8450 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.

Pentium E6700 vs Phenom X3 8450: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Pentium E6700

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $59 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $145 MSRP).
  • Delivers 68.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.2 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $145 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,219 vs 1,221).

Phenom X3 8450

2008

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 14.2 PassMark/$ ($145 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E6700 better than Phenom X3 8450?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium E6700 is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8450 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium E6700 is the better buy right now. Pentium E6700 comes in $59 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $145 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom X3 8450 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 68.3% better value on MSRP (14.2 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium E6700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium E6700 vs Phenom X3 8450 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Pentium E6700

The Pentium E6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 1,219 points. Launch price was $80.

AMD

Phenom X3 8450

The Phenom X3 8450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,221 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Pentium E6700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X3 8450 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8450 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Pentium E6700 versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8450 — a 41.5% clock advantage for the Pentium E6700. The Pentium E6700 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom X3 8450 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium E6700 scores 1,219 against the Phenom X3 8450's 1,221 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom X3 8450. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Pentium E6700 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8450.

FeaturePentium E6700Phenom X3 8450
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+52%
2.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (total)+300%
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
Toliman (2008)
PassMark
1,219
1,221
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium E6700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom X3 8450 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePentium E6700Phenom X3 8450
Socket
LGA775
AM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Pentium E6700) / not specified (Phenom X3 8450). Primary use case: Pentium E6700 targets Desktop.

FeaturePentium E6700Phenom X3 8450
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium E6700 was priced at $86, while the Phenom X3 8450 came in at $145. On launch pricing ($86 vs $145), Pentium E6700 was $59 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium E6700 delivers 14.2 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Phenom X3 8450 — making the Pentium E6700 the 50.9% better value option.

FeaturePentium E6700Phenom X3 8450
MSRP
$86-41%
$145
Performance per Dollar
14.2+69%
8.4
Release Date
2010
2008

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