CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6400
Core 2 Duo E8400
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 E6400 is positioned at rank 1059 and the Core 2 Duo E8400 is on rank 508, so the Core 2 Duo E8400 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 E6400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 E6400 and Core 2 Duo E8400
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.
Core 2 Duo E8400
The Core 2 Duo E8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,165 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6400 and Core 2 Duo E8400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6400 versus 3 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8400 — a 33.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8400 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6400 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8400 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6400 scores 1,175 against the Core 2 Duo E8400's 1,165 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz | 3 GHz+41% |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | 3 GHz+41% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 6 MB (total)+200% |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,175 | 1,165 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6400 versus 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8400 — the Core 2 Duo E8400 supports 22.3% 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 E6400) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E8400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066 | 1333+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6400 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+; Core 2 Duo E8400 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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