Core 2 Duo E7200
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Duo E7200

Intel

PassMark

1,002

MSRP

$133

AVG Price

$133

2008-01-01
65 Watt
Wolfdale (2008−2010)

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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo E7200 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 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $249.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Duo E7200 is positioned at rank #1040 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 E7200

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
41396%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
39116%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
28401%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
8556%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
6777%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
5929%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
3396%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
3351%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
3052%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
3051%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
3017%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2936%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2895%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2883%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2857%
#1039
Athlon II X4 638
MSRP: $300|Avg: $280
100%
#1040
Core 2 Duo E7200
MSRP: $133|Avg: $133
100%
#1042
Phenom X3 8750
MSRP: $195|Avg: $20
98%
#1043
Pentium G4400TE
MSRP: $300|Avg: $250
97%
#1044
Celeron 2.60
MSRP: $53|Avg: $10
96%
#1045
Core i7-990X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $225
95%
#1046
Phenom X4 9750B
MSRP: $215|Avg: $34
94%
#1047
Core 2 Duo E8200
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
93%
#1048
Core 2 Quad Q9450
MSRP: $316|Avg: $15
93%
#1049
Core 2 Duo E8600
MSRP: $200|Avg: $95
92%
#1050
Core 2 Duo E6320
MSRP: $163|Avg: $5
91%
#1051
Core i7-980X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $150
91%
#1052
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
MSRP: $150|Avg: $10
90%
#1053
Core 2 Duo E6420
MSRP: $183|Avg: $10
90%
#1054
Phenom X4 9600B
MSRP: $278|Avg: $20
88%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E7200 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E7200 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.53 GHz from a base frequency of 2.53 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 3 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,002, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 368, while multi-core reaches 666.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E7200
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.53 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.53 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designWolfdale (2008−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data3 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor82 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities228 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency1066 MHz
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range0.85V-1.3625V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,002
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming368
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance666
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7200 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 DDR2-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E7200
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR2-800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNone
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUP35,G33,G41,P45
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo E7200 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon II X2 245.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E7200
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryLegacy Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerAthlon II X2 245
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E7200 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 Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Air Cooler.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E7200
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxStock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionAir Cooler
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $133, the Core 2 Duo E7200 delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1040 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3070 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E7200
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$133
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$133
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1040
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3070
Release DateLaunch date2008-01-01
Release Year2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E7200

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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