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 E8500 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 3.16 GHz, with boost up to 3.17 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: 1,297 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 E8500 is positioned at rank #427 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 E8500

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

6249%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

5905%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

4287%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1292%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1023%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

895%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

513%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

506%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

461%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

461%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

455%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

443%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

437%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

435%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

431%

#343

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

100%

#344

Core i9-9900

MSRP: $423|Avg: $330

99%

#345

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

98%

#346

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

98%

#347

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

94%

#348

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

94%

#349

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

94%

#427

Core 2 Duo E8500

MSRP: $26|Avg: $26

100%

#429

Xeon E5-2618L v4

MSRP: $779|Avg: $33

100%

#434

Core i3-7320

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

98%

#435

Celeron G3930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

97%

#436

Ryzen 5 1500X

MSRP: $189|Avg: $67

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E8500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E8500 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 3.17 GHz from a base frequency of 3.16 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 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,297, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.17 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.16 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	64 kB
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	1,297

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 E8500
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 Phenom II X2 550.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8500
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	Phenom II X2 550

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E8500 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 E8500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $26, the Core 2 Duo E8500 delivers 50 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #427 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2890 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8500
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$26
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$26
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#427
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2890
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel