Core 2 Duo T7600 vs Core i5-2430M
Core 2 Duo T7600
Core i5-2430M
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 T7600 is positioned at rank 875 and the Core i5-2430M is on rank 1106, so the Core 2 Duo T7600 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 T7600
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2430M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 T7600 and Core i5-2430M
Core 2 Duo T7600
The Core 2 Duo T7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,004 points. Launch price was $619.
Core i5-2430M
The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T7600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2430M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 25.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2430M (base: 2.33 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-2430M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7600 scores 2,004 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-2430M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7600 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.33 GHz | 3 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz | 2.4 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,004 | 2,015 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-2430M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2430M — the Core i5-2430M supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2430M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Socket P (Core 2 Duo T7600) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | 1333+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB+26214300% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7600) vs true (Core i5-2430M). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
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