Core 2 Duo E4700 vs Core i5-560UM

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4700

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-560UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 2.13 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo E4700 vs Core i5-560UM Performance Spectrum

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.

Core 2 Duo E4700 vs Core i5-560UM 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 E4700 vs Core i5-560UM: 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 E4700

2008

Why buy it

  • Costs $117 less on MSRP ($133 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 87.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.6 vs 4.1 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-560UM.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,011 vs 1,015).
  • 261.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 18W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-560UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-560UM

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 18W instead of 65W, a 47W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Core 2 Duo E4700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.1 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E4700.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560UM better than Core 2 Duo E4700?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Duo E4700 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560UM pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-560UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-560UM comes in 88.0% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core 2 Duo E4700 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 87.2% better value on paper (7.6 vs 4.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-560UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo E4700 vs Core i5-560UM Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4700

The Core 2 Duo E4700 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,011 points. Launch price was $249.

Intel

Core i5-560UM

The Core i5-560UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,015 points. Launch price was $250.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-560UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4700 versus 2.13 GHz on the Core i5-560UM — a 19.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4700 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.33 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4700 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-560UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4700 scores 1,011 against the Core i5-560UM's 1,015 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-560UM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4700 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-560UM.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4700Core i5-560UM
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+22%
2.13 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+95%
1.33 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB
L2 Cache
2 MB+300%
512 kB
Process
65 nm
32 nm-51%
Architecture
Allendale (2006−2009)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,011
1,015
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-560UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 800 memory speed. The Core 2 Duo E4700 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4700) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-560UM).

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4700Core i5-560UM
Socket
LGA775
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
800
800
Max RAM Capacity
16+100%
8
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Core 2 Duo E4700) vs true (Core i5-560UM). The Core i5-560UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo E4700 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4700 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5000+; Core i5-560UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4700Core i5-560UM
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
false
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E4700 was priced at $133, while the Core i5-560UM came in at $250. On launch pricing ($133 vs $250), Core 2 Duo E4700 was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4700 delivers 7.6 pts/$ vs 4.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-560UM — making the Core 2 Duo E4700 the 60.7% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4700Core i5-560UM
MSRP
$133-47%
$250
Performance per Dollar
7.6+85%
4.1
Release Date
2008
2010

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