Core 2 Duo P8700 vs Core i5-4200M

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 P8700 vs Core i5-4200M 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 P8700 vs Core i5-4200M: 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 P8700

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 512W, a 509W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,805 vs 2,809).
❌
7.1% HIGHER MSRP
$241 MSRPvs$225 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4200M

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $16 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $241 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core 2 Duo P8700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌16966.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4200M better than Core 2 Duo P8700?

Yes. Core i5-4200M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better 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 i5-4200M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 i5-4200M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4200M is the better buy right now. Core i5-4200M comes in $16 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $241 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 7.3% better value on MSRP (12.5 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4200M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 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 P8700 vs Core i5-4200M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P8700

The Core 2 Duo P8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 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: 2,805 points. Launch price was $209.

Core i5-4200M

The Core i5-4200M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,809 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4200M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4200M — a 20.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4200M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-4200M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8700 scores 2,805 against the Core i5-4200M's 2,809 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-4200M. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4200M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core i5-4200M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	3.1 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+1%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	3 MB
L2 Cache	3 MB+500%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,805	2,809

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4200M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4200M — the Core i5-4200M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4200M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo P8700) vs 16 (Core i5-4200M) — the Core i5-4200M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core i5-4200M
Socket	PGA478	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR3L-1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo P8700) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4200M). The Core i5-4200M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8700 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core i5-4200M
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo P8700 was priced at $241, while the Core i5-4200M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($241 vs $225), Core i5-4200M was $16 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo P8700 delivers 11.6 pts/$ vs 12.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-4200M — making the Core i5-4200M the 7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P8700	Core i5-4200M
MSRP	$241	$225-7%
Performance per Dollar	11.6	12.5+8%
Release Date	2009	2013

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