Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Core 2 Duo E6400

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.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Core 2 Duo E6400 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Core 2 Duo E6400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Duo E4500

2007

Why buy it

✅Costs $50 less on MSRP ($133 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).
✅Delivers 36.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.8 vs 6.4 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $183 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,165 vs 1,175).

Core 2 Duo E6400

2006

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.4 vs 8.8 PassMark/$ ($183 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E4500 better than Core 2 Duo E6400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Duo E4500 is ahead with 3.3% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E6400 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E6400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo E4500 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E4500 comes in $50 cheaper on MSRP at $133 MSRP versus $183 MSRP, and it still gives you 3.3% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo E6400 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 36.4% better value on MSRP (8.8 vs 6.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 2 Duo E4500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2007 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Core 2 Duo E6400 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 2 Duo E4500

The Core 2 Duo E4500 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,165 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Duo E6400

The Core 2 Duo E6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 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: 1,175 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E4500 and Core 2 Duo E6400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4500 versus 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6400 — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4500 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4500 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6400 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4500 scores 1,165 against the Core 2 Duo E6400's 1,175 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4500	Core 2 Duo E6400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz+3%	2.13 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+3%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB
Process	65 nm	65 nm
Architecture	Allendale (2006−2009)	Conroe (2006−2007)
PassMark	1,165	1,175

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4500 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6400 — the Core 2 Duo E6400 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4500) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6400).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4500	Core 2 Duo E6400
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	800	1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity	16	16
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Core 2 Duo E4500) vs true (Core 2 Duo E6400). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4500 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4600+; Core 2 Duo E6400 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4500	Core 2 Duo E6400
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	false	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E4500 was priced at $133, while the Core 2 Duo E6400 came in at $183. On launch pricing ($133 vs $183), Core 2 Duo E4500 was $50 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4500 delivers 8.8 pts/$ vs 6.4 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E6400 — making the Core 2 Duo E4500 the 30.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E4500	Core 2 Duo E6400
MSRP	$133-27%	$183
Performance per Dollar	8.8+38%	6.4
Release Date	2007	2006

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