Core 2 Duo E7300 vs Core i5-4200Y

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 E7300 vs Core i5-4200Y 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 E7300 vs Core i5-4200Y: 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 E7300

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-4200Y.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (412 vs 574).
❌Lower PassMark (1,555 vs 1,558).
❌Launch MSRP is still $133 MSRP, while Core i5-4200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4200Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+39.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4200, while Core 2 Duo E7300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E7300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4200Y better than Core 2 Duo E7300?

Yes. Core i5-4200Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4200Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4200Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4200Y is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4200Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo E7300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 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 E7300 vs Core i5-4200Y Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo E7300

The Core 2 Duo E7300 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,555 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i5-4200Y

The Core i5-4200Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,558 points. Launch price was $297.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E7300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4200Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4200Y — a 33.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7300 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-4200Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7300 scores 1,555 against the Core i5-4200Y's 1,558 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-4200Y. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 412 vs 574, a 32.9% lead for the Core i5-4200Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4200Y.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Core i5-4200Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.67 GHz+41%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+90%	1.4 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB (total)	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,555	1,558
Geekbench 6 Single	412	574+39%
Geekbench 6 Multi	725	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4200Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4200Y — the Core i5-4200Y supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4200Y supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E7300) vs 12 (Core i5-4200Y) — the Core 2 Duo E7300 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G33,G41,P45 (Core 2 Duo E7300) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4200Y).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7300	Core i5-4200Y
Socket	LGA775	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	DDR3L-1600+100%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Duo E7300 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7300) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4200Y). The Core i5-4200Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4200), while the Core 2 Duo E7300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7300 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-4200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7300 rivals Athlon II X2 245; Core i5-4200Y rivals A4-5150M.