Core 2 Duo T7600 vs Core i5-655K
Core 2 Duo T7600
Core i5-655K
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 i5-655K is on rank 1004, 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 i5-655K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
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 i5-655K
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 i5-655K
The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T7600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-655K's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K — a 39% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 2.33 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-655K uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7600 scores 2,004 against the Core i5-655K's 2,017 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-655K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7600 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.33 GHz | 3.46 GHz+48% |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz | 3.2 GHz+37% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,004 | 2,017 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 560 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,250 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T7600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-655K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7600 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-655K — the Core i5-655K supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-655K supports up to 16 GB 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 H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | DDR3-1333+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 16 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T7600 | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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