Core 2 Duo E8400 vs Core 2 Duo E6400
Core 2 Duo E8400
Core 2 Duo E6400
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 E8400 is positioned at rank 508 and the Core 2 Duo E6400 is on rank 1059, 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 E8400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8400 | Core 2 Duo E6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E8400 | Core 2 Duo E6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
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 E8400 and Core 2 Duo E6400
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E8400 and Core 2 Duo E6400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8400 versus 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6400 — a 33.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8400 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E6400 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8400 scores 1,165 against the Core 2 Duo E6400's 1,175 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6400. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8400 | Core 2 Duo E6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+41% | 2.13 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+41% | 2.13 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+200% | 2 MB |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Conroe (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,165 | 1,175 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E8400 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6400 — 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 E8400) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8400 | Core 2 Duo E6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+25% | 1066 |
| 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 E8400 rivals Phenom II X2 550; Core 2 Duo E6400 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E8400 | Core 2 Duo E6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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