Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Core i5-4200Y

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 T5600 vs Core i5-4200Y 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 T5600 vs Core i5-4200Y: 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 T5600

2006

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $241 MSRP, while Core i5-4200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4200Y

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4200, while Core 2 Duo T5600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,558 vs 1,560).
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T5600 better than Core i5-4200Y?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4200Y is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5600 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T5600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T5600 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo T5600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $241 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-4200Y is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T5600 vs Core i5-4200Y Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5600

The Core 2 Duo T5600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,560 points. Launch price was $241.

Core i5-4200Y

The Core i5-4200Y 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 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,558 points. Launch price was $297.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4200Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5600 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4200Y — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-4200Y (base: 1.83 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-4200Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5600 scores 1,560 against the Core i5-4200Y's 1,558 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5600. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T5600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4200Y.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5600	Core i5-4200Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.83 GHz	1.9 GHz+4%
Base Clock	1.83 GHz+31%	1.4 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,560	1,558
Geekbench 6 Single	—	574

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4200Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T5600 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4200Y — the Core i5-4200Y supports 139.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4200Y supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T5600) vs 12 (Core i5-4200Y) — the Core i5-4200Y offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 945GM,945PM (Core 2 Duo T5600) and HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4200Y).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5600	Core i5-4200Y
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	DDR3L-1600+140%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5600) / VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4200Y). The Core i5-4200Y includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4200), while the Core 2 Duo T5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-4200Y rivals A4-5150M.