Core 2 Duo T5900 vs Core 2 Duo T6400

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 T5900 vs Core 2 Duo T6400 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 T5900 vs Core 2 Duo T6400: 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 T5900

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core 2 Duo T6400

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Duo T5900 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,115 vs 2,123).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T5900 better than Core 2 Duo T6400?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T5900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo T5900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 2 Duo T5900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T5900 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T5900 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 2 Duo T6400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T5900 vs Core 2 Duo T6400 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5900

The Core 2 Duo T5900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,123 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Duo T6400

The Core 2 Duo T6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,115 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T5900 and Core 2 Duo T6400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5900 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6400 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T5900. The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T6400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5900 scores 2,123 against the Core 2 Duo T6400's 2,115 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5900.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5900	Core 2 Duo T6400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz+10%	2 GHz
Base Clock	—	2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	2,123	2,115
Geekbench 6 Single	—	650
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,300

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo T6400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.