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 E4300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 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 E4300

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

108%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

108%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

108%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

108%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

107%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

107%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

105%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

105%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

104%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

103%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

103%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

103%

#51

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

102%

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

101%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

100%

#54

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

100%

#55

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

100%

#56

Pentium E2200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

98%

#57

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

97%

#58

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

96%

#59

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

96%

#60

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

96%

#61

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

95%

#62

Core i5-7440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $30

95%

#63

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

94%

#64

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

93%

#65

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

93%

#66

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

93%

#67

Core i3-2100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $10

92%

#68

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

92%

#69

Core i3-4170T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $17

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E4300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E4300 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4300 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.8 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,005, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Allendale (2006−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	111 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	167 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	800 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	61 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,005

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4300 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 800 (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 E4300
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	800
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: false — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon 64 X2 3800+.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4300
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	false
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon 64 X2 3800+

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E4300 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 E4300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	61 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $5 (MSRP: $113), the Core 2 Duo E4300 delivers 201 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3324 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4300
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$113
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$5
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3324
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel