
Core 2 Duo P8400 vs Core i7-4500U

Core 2 Duo P8400

Core i7-4500U
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 P8400 is positioned at rank 33 and the Core i7-4500U is on rank 1183, so the Core 2 Duo P8400 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 P8400
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4500U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core i7-4500U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($398) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-ULT (2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core i7-4500U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3891%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($398) |
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 P8400 and Core i7-4500U

Core 2 Duo P8400
The Core 2 Duo P8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,497 points. Launch price was $209.

Core i7-4500U
The Core i7-4500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,490 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo P8400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-4500U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8400 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-4500U — a 28.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-4500U (base: 2.26 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-4500U uses Haswell-ULT (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8400 scores 2,497 against the Core i7-4500U's 2,490 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo P8400. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8400 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4500U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core i7-4500U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.26 GHz | 3 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz+26% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Haswell-ULT (2013) |
| PassMark | 2,497 | 2,490 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo P8400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-4500U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8400 versus 1600 on the Core i7-4500U — the Core i7-4500U supports 40.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-4500U supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo P8400) vs 12 (Core i7-4500U) — the Core i7-4500U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM45,GS45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8400) and Haswell-U (Core i7-4500U).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core i7-4500U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066 | 1600+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 12 |
Advanced Features
Both support true virtualization. The Core i7-4500U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Core 2 Duo P8400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4500U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8400 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core i7-4500U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo P8400 launched at $209 MSRP, while the Core i7-4500U debuted at $398.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core i7-4500U |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $209-47% | $398 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | — |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2013 |
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