CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T6400
Core i7-3517U
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 T6400 is positioned at rank 49 and the Core i7-3517U is on rank 340, so the Core 2 Duo T6400 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 T6400
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3517U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6400 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T6400 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 T6400 and Core i7-3517U
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.
Core i7-3517U
The Core i7-3517U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,108 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T6400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3517U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6400 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-3517U — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i7-3517U (base: 2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3517U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6400 scores 2,115 against the Core i7-3517U's 2,108 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6400. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T6400 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6400 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 3 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz+5% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,115 | 2,108 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 650 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,300 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T6400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-3517U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T6400 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3517U — the Core i7-3517U supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T6400) vs 16 (Core i7-3517U) — the Core i7-3517U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel GM45,Intel PM45 (Core 2 Duo T6400) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3517U).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6400 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1600+79900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+26214300% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: No (Core 2 Duo T6400) vs true (Core i7-3517U). The Core i7-3517U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T6400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6400 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-3517U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T6400 | Core i7-3517U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | No | true |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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