Core 2 Duo T7500 vs Core i7-860S
Core 2 Duo T7500
Core i7-860S
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 T7500 is positioned at rank 88 and the Core i7-860S is on rank 1033, so the Core 2 Duo T7500 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 T7500
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-860S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7500 | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($96) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7500 | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1807%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($96) |
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 T7500 and Core i7-860S
Core 2 Duo T7500
The Core 2 Duo T7500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 May 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,308 points. Launch price was $234.
Core i7-860S
The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T7500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-860S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7500 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S — a 44.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7500 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i7-860S uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7500 scores 2,308 against the Core i7-860S's 2,324 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-860S. Multi-core Geekbench: 507 vs 1,332 (89.7% advantage for the Core i7-860S). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7500 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7500 | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.46 GHz+57% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.53 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,308 | 2,324 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 507 | 1,332+163% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T7500 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-860S uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7500 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S — the Core i7-860S supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7500) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-860S).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7500 | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | DDR3-1333+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7500) vs Yes (Core i7-860S). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7500 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7500 | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | Yes |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo T7500 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Core i7-860S debuted at $299. At current prices ($5 vs $96), the Core 2 Duo T7500 is $91 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo T7500 delivers 461.6 pts/$ vs 24.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-860S — making the Core 2 Duo T7500 the 180.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7500 | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316 | $299-5% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-95% | $96 |
| Performance per Dollar | 461.6+1807% | 24.2 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2010 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo T7500 and Core i7-860S
