Core 2 Duo E7600 vs Core 2 Duo E8400
Core 2 Duo E7600
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 E7600 is positioned at rank 1019 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 E7600
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7600 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E7600 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ 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 E7600 and Core 2 Duo E8400
Core 2 Duo E7600
The Core 2 Duo E7600 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 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 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: 1,150 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 E7600 and Core 2 Duo E8400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7600 versus 3 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8400 — a 190.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8400 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7600 scores 1,150 against the Core 2 Duo E8400's 1,165 — a 1.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7600 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 0.07 GHz | 3 GHz+4186% |
| Base Clock | 3.06 GHz+2% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,150 | 1,165+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 422 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 690 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo E7600 versus 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8400 — the Core 2 Duo E8400 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P45,P43,G45,G43,P35,G33 (Core 2 Duo E7600) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E8400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7600 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+104857500% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7600) vs true (Core 2 Duo E8400). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7600 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7600 rivals Athlon II X2 250; Core 2 Duo E8400 rivals Phenom II X2 550.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E7600 | Core 2 Duo E8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
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