Looking at the scores, the 3.1GHz Phenom II X2 550 is pretty much equal to the 3GHz E8400. Our subject won 3 real-world gaming tests out of 5, but the others it lost 7 benchmarks out of 12. So really, if it is inferior to the E8400, I would say it is by a tiny bit. The difference though is that the Phenom II X2 costs $102 whereas the 3GHz Core 2 Duo costs $165. Furthermore, for that mere $102, one gets an unlocked multiplier. We can then affirm that processors in the E7x00 series will just be opponents to laugh at for the X2 550. The $13 difference with the 3GHz locked Athlon II is really worth it in my opinion if it is for a gaming or enthusiast build.