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. The Core 2 Duo E8300 is positioned at rank #1060 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 E8300

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

48935%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

46239%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

33573%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

10114%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

8011%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

7008%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

4014%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

3962%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

3607%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

3607%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

3567%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

3470%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

3422%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

3408%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

3377%

#1060

Core 2 Duo E8300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

100%

#1061

Phenom X4 9500

MSRP: $247|Avg: $30

99%

#1062

Celeron D 352

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

95%

#1063

Core i7-970

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $289

95%

#1064

Core i7-880

MSRP: $583|Avg: $40

92%

#1065

Pentium D 820

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

92%

#1066

Celeron 2.10

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

91%

#1067

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

91%

#1068

Sempron 3100+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $15

90%

#1069

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

88%

#1070

Core 2 Duo E6750

MSRP: $183|Avg: $15

88%

#1071

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

85%

#1072

Celeron 2.40

MSRP: $69|Avg: $13

78%

#1073

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

77%

#1074

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

75%

#1075

Sempron 3600+

MSRP: $105|Avg: $20

73%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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. It currently holds Rank #1060 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1060
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3045
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel