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 E6550 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 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 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: 1,395 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 E6550

#593

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

102%

#594

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

102%

#595

Core i3-10320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $140

102%

#596

Core i5-9600KF

MSRP: $262|Avg: $150

102%

#597

Pentium G3430

MSRP: $116|Avg: $30

102%

#598

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE

MSRP: $180|Avg: $180

102%

#599

Pentium D 820

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

101%

#600

Core i7-14701TE

MSRP: $392|Avg: $390

101%

#601

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

101%

#602

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

101%

#603

Core i9-11900KF

MSRP: $513|Avg: $349

101%

#604

Core i3-12100TE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

100%

#605

Athlon Silver 3050GE

MSRP: $75|Avg: $65

100%

#606

Core i7-9700E

MSRP: $259|Avg: $180

100%

#607

Core i3-4340

MSRP: $149|Avg: $50

100%

#608

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

100%

#609

Core i7-11700K

MSRP: $399|Avg: $350

100%

#610

Ryzen 7 PRO 3700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $330

99%

#611

Core i7-14701E

MSRP: $392|Avg: $380

99%

#612

Pentium E6300

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

99%

#613

Pentium G630T

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

99%

#614

Core i7-7700K

MSRP: $305|Avg: $140

99%

#615

A6-3600

MSRP: $95|Avg: $25

99%

#616

Core 2 Duo E6750

MSRP: $183|Avg: $15

98%

#617

Core i5-10400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $175

98%

#618

Core i3-12100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $180

98%

#619

PRO A12-9800

MSRP: $110|Avg: $55

98%

#620

Core i3-6098P

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

97%

#621

Core i3-4160

MSRP: $117|Avg: $52

97%

#622

Athlon 5150

MSRP: $21|Avg: $21

97%

#623

Core i5-6600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $90

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E6550 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E6550 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E6550 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 2.33 GHz from a base frequency of 2.33 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 1,395, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6550
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.33 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.33 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	143 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	291 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1333 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	72 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,395

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E6550 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 1333 (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 E6550
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	1333
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 6000+.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6550
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 6000+

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E6550 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 E6550
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	72 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $163), the Core 2 Duo E6550 delivers 70 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3112 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6550
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$163
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3112
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	3112

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	143 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB
L2 Cache	4 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
Max Frequency	2.33 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.33 GHz
Transistor Count	291 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature	72 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-