Intel Core 2 Duo E8500

The Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 brings 2 cores and 4 threads. Clocks run from 3.16GHz base to 3.16GHz boost. It drops into the LGA775 socket with a 65W TDP — about 32.5W per core. Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP.

Expect to pay around $109.95, which lands it among budget options. PlanMyPC's builder flags compatibility problems automatically and tracks the latest processor deals from multiple stores. Intel backs the product through its standard warranty channels; check the listing for region-specific terms. The full specification sheet below breaks out every listed detail, and the compatibility checker flags conflicts with parts already in your build.