CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E7300
Core i5-4202Y
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 E7300 is positioned at rank 969 and the Core i5-4202Y is on rank 964, so the Core i5-4202Y 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 E7300
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4202Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Core i5-4202Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($133) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Core i5-4202Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($133) | ✅ 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 E7300 and Core i5-4202Y
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 i5-4202Y
The Core i5-4202Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,552 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E7300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4202Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7300 versus 2 GHz on the Core i5-4202Y — a 28.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E7300 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-4202Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7300 scores 1,555 against the Core i5-4202Y's 1,552 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo E7300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 412 vs 589, a 35.4% lead for the Core i5-4202Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 725 vs 1,030 (34.8% advantage for the Core i5-4202Y). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7300 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4202Y.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Core i5-4202Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz+34% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+66% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (total)+500% | 512 kB |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,555 | 1,552 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 412 | 589+43% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 725 | 1,030+42% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E7300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4202Y 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 / LPDDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4202Y — the Core i5-4202Y supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4202Y supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E7300) vs 12 (Core i5-4202Y) — 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 (Core i5-4202Y).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Core i5-4202Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR3L-1600 / LPDDR3-1600+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
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 i5-4202Y). The Core i5-4202Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4200), while the Core 2 Duo E7300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7300 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-4202Y targets Ultra-portable. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7300 rivals Athlon II X2 245.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7300 | Core i5-4202Y |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 4200 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x / EPT |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Ultra-portable |
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