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 E8600 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 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 1,378 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 E8600

#931

Pentium G3470

MSRP: $150|Avg: $130

130%

#932

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

125%

#933

Athlon XP 2700+

MSRP: $349|Avg: $20

124%

#934

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

124%

#935

Core i7-4770TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $303

114%

#936

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

114%

#937

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

114%

#938

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

112%

#939

Core i5-660

MSRP: $196|Avg: $150

112%

#940

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

112%

#941

Pentium G3240

MSRP: $89|Avg: $126

106%

#942

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

103%

#943

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

102%

#944

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

101%

#945

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

100%

#946

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

100%

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

99%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

98%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

98%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

98%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

97%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

97%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

95%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

94%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

94%

#956

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

93%

#957

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

92%

#958

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

92%

#959

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

90%

#960

Phenom II X3 710

MSRP: $125|Avg: N/A

88%

#961

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

86%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E8600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E8600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8600 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 3.33 GHz from a base frequency of 3.33 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 1,378, 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 486, while multi-core reaches 885.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.33 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.33 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	1,378
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	486
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	885

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8600 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). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8600
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	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	P45,X48,X38,P35
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo E8600 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — 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 E8600
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Phenom II X2 550

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E8600 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.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Air Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $95 (MSRP: $200), the Core 2 Duo E8600 delivers 15 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2850 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$200
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$95
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2850
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

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Release Date	2008-01-01
Architecture Codename	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
Performance Ranking Position	2850

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	107 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
Max Frequency	3.33 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.33 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