Core 2 Duo E8700
Intel
PassMark
2,212
MSRP
$256
AVG Price
$30
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. 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 E8700
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E8700 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Deadlock
League of Legends
Marvel Rivals
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Stardew Valley
Starfield
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.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.5 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 6 MB (total) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 107 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 410 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 2,212 |
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.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA775 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
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.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E8700 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $256), the Core 2 Duo E8700 delivers 74 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2503 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core 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 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2503 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2008-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $249 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 2008-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2503 |
Technical Specifications
11 specs
Technical Specifications
11 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 107 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 410 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| 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 Depends on motherboard |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E8700
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Core 2 Duo E8700 with other popular CPUs
Compare Core 2 Duo E8700
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
