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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo E6420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $249.

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.

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 2 Duo E6420

#234

Core i5-14600

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

103%

#235

Core i7-2700K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $45

102%

#236

Core i3-6320

MSRP: $160|Avg: $35

102%

#237

Pentium G3220

MSRP: $54|Avg: $15

102%

#238

Core i7-14700F

MSRP: $359|Avg: $330

102%

#239

Core i5-4570S

MSRP: $195|Avg: $40

102%

#240

Ryzen 3 PRO 3200G

MSRP: $89|Avg: $52

101%

#241

Core i9-14900K

MSRP: $589|Avg: $469

101%

#242

Ryzen 5 PRO 5655GE

MSRP: $146|Avg: $146

101%

#243

Core i7-13790F

MSRP: $392|Avg: $350

101%

#244

Athlon II X3 450

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

101%

#245

Core i5-14500

MSRP: $239|Avg: $251

101%

#246

Core i5-11600KF

MSRP: $237|Avg: $157

100%

#247

Ryzen 5 5600XT

MSRP: $192|Avg: $180

100%

#248

Core i5-13600

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

100%

#249

Core 2 Duo E6420

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

100%

#250

Ryzen 5 5600G

MSRP: $259|Avg: $160

100%

#251

Core i3-13100F

MSRP: $109|Avg: $119

100%

#252

Core i5-4460

MSRP: $182|Avg: $40

99%

#253

Core Ultra 9 285K

MSRP: $589|Avg: $550

99%

#254

Celeron G470

MSRP: $35|Avg: $10

99%

#255

Core i5-3335S

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

99%

#256

Core i5-13400E

MSRP: $221|Avg: $221

99%

#257

Core i5-4460T

MSRP: $187|Avg: $30

99%

#258

Ryzen 7 8700F

MSRP: $270|Avg: $257

98%

#259

Core i9-14900KF

MSRP: $564|Avg: $480

98%

#260

Core i7-4790

MSRP: $339|Avg: $60

98%

#261

Athlon II X2 255

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

98%

#262

Core i3-7320

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

98%

#263

Athlon X4 830

MSRP: $70|Avg: $25

98%

#264

Core i7-12700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $285

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E6420 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E6420 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E6420 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.13 GHz from a base frequency of 2.13 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 4 MB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,235, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6420
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.13 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.13 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Conroe (2006−2007)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	111 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	167 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1066 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	60 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,235

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E6420 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6420
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	P35,G31,G33,P45
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon 64 X2 5400+.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6420
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon 64 X2 5400+

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E6420 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the true stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6420
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	60 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $183), the Core 2 Duo E6420 delivers 124 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3188 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6420
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$183
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3188
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2007
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Release Date	2008-01-01
Architecture Codename	Conroe (2006−2007)
Performance Ranking Position	3188

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	111 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB
L2 Cache	4 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1066 MHz
Max Frequency	2.13 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.13 GHz
Transistor Count	167 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature	60 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-