CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo P8700
Core i7-5500U
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 P8700 is positioned at rank 140 and the Core i7-5500U is on rank 733, so the Core 2 Duo P8700 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 P8700
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5500U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core i7-5500U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core i7-5500U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) | ✅ 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 P8700 and Core i7-5500U
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 i7-5500U
The Core i7-5500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,807 points. Launch price was $393.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo P8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-5500U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-5500U — a 17% clock advantage for the Core i7-5500U (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-5500U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8700 scores 2,805 against the Core i7-5500U's 2,807 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-5500U. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-5500U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core i7-5500U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.53 GHz | 3 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz+5% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Broadwell-U (2015) |
| PassMark | 2,805 | 2,807 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 956 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,933 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-5500U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus DDR3L-1600 / LPDDR3-1600 on the Core i7-5500U — the Core 2 Duo P8700 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-5500U supports up to 16 GB 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 P8700) vs 12 (Core i7-5500U) — the Core i7-5500U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM45,GS45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8700) and Broadwell-U SoC (Core i7-5500U).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core i7-5500U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | FCBGA1168 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3L-1600 / LPDDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 16 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 12 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo P8700) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i7-5500U). The Core i7-5500U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 5500), while the Core 2 Duo P8700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-5500U targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8700 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core i7-5500U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics 5500 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x / VT-d / EPT |
| Target Use | — | Ultrabook |
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