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 E7600 vs Core i5-10400F 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 E7600 vs Core i5-10400F: 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 E7600

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $27 less on MSRP ($133 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-10400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (690 vs 5,783).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.6 vs 81.4 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $160 MSRP).

Core i5-10400F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +505.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Delivers 841.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($160 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
20.3% HIGHER MSRP
$160 MSRPvs$133 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400F better than Core 2 Duo E7600?

Yes. Core i5-10400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 505.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 738.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 1033.0% higher 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 i5-10400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 505.7% 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 i5-10400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 738.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i5-10400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-10400F comes in 20.3% more expensive on MSRP at $160 MSRP versus $133 MSRP, and it still gives you a 505.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 841.8% better value on MSRP (81.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-10400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 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 E7600 vs Core i5-10400F Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-10400F

The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E7600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-10400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E7600 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 193.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-10400F (base: 3.06 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E7600 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E7600 scores 1,150 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 167.6% lead for the Core i5-10400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 422 vs 1,454, a 110% lead for the Core i5-10400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 690 vs 5,783 (157.4% advantage for the Core i5-10400F). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E7600 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7600	Core i5-10400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	0.07 GHz	4.3 GHz+6043%
Base Clock	3.06 GHz+6%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB (total)	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	1,150	13,029+1033%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,191
Geekbench 6 Single	422	1,454+245%
Geekbench 6 Multi	690	5,783+738%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7600 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo E7600 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i5-10400F supports 150.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-10400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. 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 H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7600	Core i5-10400F
Socket	LGA775	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR4-2666+150%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo E7600) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10400F). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo E7600 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E7600 rivals Athlon II X2 250; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7600	Core i5-10400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E7600 was priced at $133, while the Core i5-10400F came in at $160. On launch pricing ($133 vs $160), Core 2 Duo E7600 was $27 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E7600 delivers 8.6 pts/$ vs 81.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 161.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E7600	Core i5-10400F
MSRP	$133-17%	$160
Performance per Dollar	8.6	81.4+847%
Release Date	2009	2020

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