Core 2 Duo E8700
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Duo E8700

Intel

PassMark

2,212

MSRP

$256

AVG Price

$30

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 E8700 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 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 E8700 is positioned at rank #1020 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 E8700

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
36078%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
34090%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
24752%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
7457%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
5907%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
5167%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
2959%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
2921%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2659%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2659%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2630%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2559%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2523%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2513%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2490%
#396
Ryzen Embedded R2314
MSRP: $300|Avg: $762
89%
#1019
Core i7-3970X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $60
100%
#1020
Core 2 Duo E8700
MSRP: $256|Avg: $30
100%
#1021
Core 2 Duo E6550
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
99%
#1022
Phenom X3 8450
MSRP: $145|Avg: $147
97%
#1023
Core i7-3960X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $60
97%
#1024
Celeron 2.70
MSRP: $49|Avg: $49
96%
#1026
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
94%
#1027
Core 2 Quad Q8200
MSRP: $224|Avg: $36
93%
#1028
A12-9800E
MSRP: $426|Avg: $150
93%
#1029
Phenom II X6 1065T
MSRP: $426|Avg: $170
93%
#1030
Celeron 440
MSRP: $59|Avg: $10
93%
#1031
A8-3820
MSRP: $280|Avg: $200
90%
#1032
Core i7-860S
MSRP: $299|Avg: $96
90%
#1034
Core 2 Duo E4700
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
88%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E8700 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8700 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 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,212, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E8700
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designWolfdale (2008−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data6 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor107 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities410 million
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,212
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8700 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard memory.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E8700
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E8700 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.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E8700
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $256), the Core 2 Duo E8700 delivers 74 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1020 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2503 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E8700
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$256
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1020
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2503
Release DateLaunch date2008-01-01
Release Year2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E8700

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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