Core 2 Duo T5900 vs Core i5-4250U

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 i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U: 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

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,123 vs 2,144).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4250U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4250U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 5000, while Core 2 Duo T5900 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4250U better than Core 2 Duo T5900?

Yes. Core i5-4250U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 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 i5-4250U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i5-4250U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4250U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4250U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-4250U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) 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 T5900 vs Core i5-4250U 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 i5-4250U

The Core i5-4250U 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 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 2,144 points. Launch price was $430.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4250U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5900 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-4250U — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4250U. The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-4250U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5900 scores 2,123 against the Core i5-4250U's 2,144 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-4250U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5900	Core i5-4250U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.6 GHz+18%
Base Clock	—	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	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	2,123	2,144
Geekbench 6 Single	—	770
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,450

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4250U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5900	Core i5-4250U
Socket	P	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5900) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4250U). The Core i5-4250U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 5000), while the Core 2 Duo T5900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4250U targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-4250U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.