CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E4300
Pentium E5400
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.
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. The Core 2 Duo E4300 is positioned at rank 1015 and the Pentium E5400 is on rank 830, so the Pentium E5400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4300
Performance Per Dollar Pentium E5400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E4300 | Pentium E5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($49) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E4300 | Pentium E5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+878%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($49) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E4300 and Pentium E5400
Core 2 Duo E4300
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.
Pentium E5400
The Pentium E5400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,007 points. Launch price was $55.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E4300 and Pentium E5400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4300 versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium E5400 — a 40% clock advantage for the Pentium E5400 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4300 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Pentium E5400 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4300 scores 1,005 against the Pentium E5400's 1,007 — a 0.2% lead for the Pentium E5400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4300 | Pentium E5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.7 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.7 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 2 MB (total) |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Allendale (2006−2009) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,005 | 1,007 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4300 | Pentium E5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 800 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: false (Core 2 Duo E4300) / not specified (Pentium E5400). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4300 | Pentium E5400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | false | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E4300 launched at $113 MSRP, while the Pentium E5400 debuted at $55. At current prices ($5 vs $49), the Core 2 Duo E4300 is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4300 delivers 201.0 pts/$ vs 20.6 pts/$ for the Pentium E5400 — making the Core 2 Duo E4300 the 162.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E4300 | Pentium E5400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $113 | $55-51% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-90% | $49 |
| Performance per Dollar | 201.0+876% | 20.6 |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2009 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo E4300 and Pentium E5400
