Core 2 Duo E6300 vs Core i5-12400F
Core 2 Duo E6300
Core i5-12400F
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. The Core 2 Duo E6300 is positioned at rank #1058 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6300
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+19%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6300 and Core i5-12400F
Core 2 Duo E6300
The Core 2 Duo E6300 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 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 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: 1,055 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i5-12400F
The Core i5-12400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,532 points. Launch price was $180.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6300 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 80.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6300 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6300 scores 1,055 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 179.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6300 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz | 4.4 GHz+135% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 2.5 GHz+34% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | Intel 7 nm-89% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 1,055 | 19,532+1751% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6300 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core 2 Duo E6300 supports 198.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-12400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6300) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6300) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+21220% | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 128 GB+838860700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6300) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6300 launched at $163 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($5 vs $110), the Core 2 Duo E6300 is $105 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6300 delivers 211.0 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core 2 Duo E6300 the 17.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163-6% | $174 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-95% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 211.0+19% | 177.6 |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2022 |
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