Core 2 Duo E8300
Intel
PassMark
1,039
MSRP
$163
AVG Price
$20
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 E8300 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 2.83 GHz, with boost up to 2.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,039 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8300
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E8300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Baldur's Gate 3
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Delta Force
Destiny 2
Garry's Mod
Genshin Impact
Hogwarts Legacy
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E8300 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E8300 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 2.83 GHz from a base frequency of 2.83 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 6 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,039, 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 345, while multi-core reaches 771. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 1,000.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8300 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.83 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.83 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 6 MB (total) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 107 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 410 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 1333 MHz |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 0.85V-1.3625V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,039 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 1,000 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 345 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 771 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E8300 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 DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8300 |
|---|---|
| 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 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 16 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | P35,P45,G33,G31 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core 2 Duo E8300 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8300 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x |
Power & Cooling
The Core 2 Duo E8300 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: Stock.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8300 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Stock |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $163), the Core 2 Duo E8300 delivers 52 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3045 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8300 |
|---|---|
| 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 | #3045 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2008-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| 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
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $249 |
| Release Date | 2008-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3045 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 107 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Bus Speed | 1333 MHz |
| Max Frequency | 2.83 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.83 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 410 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 0.85V-1.3625V |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 72 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 65 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E8300
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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