Core 2 Duo T6400 vs Core i7-3517U

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 T6400 vs Core i7-3517U 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 T6400 vs Core i7-3517U: 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 T6400

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3517U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3517U

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo T6400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,108 vs 2,115).
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T6400 better than Core i7-3517U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3517U is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6400 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-3517U also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T6400 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T6400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark.

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

Core i7-3517U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009) and 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T6400 vs Core i7-3517U Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	256K (per core)+12700%
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	—

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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 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3517U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% 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+100%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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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.