Core 2 Duo T7700 vs Core i5-750

Intel

Core 2 Duo T7700

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2007
VS
Intel

Core i5-750

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009

Core 2 Duo T7700 vs Core i5-750 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core 2 Duo T7700 vs Core i5-750 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 T7700 vs Core i5-750: 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 T7700

2007

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.3% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Draws 4W instead of 95W, a 91W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (254 vs 424).
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-750.

Core i5-750

2009

Why buy it

  • βœ…+66.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo T7700.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,546 vs 2,554).
  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $210 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T7700 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • ❌2275% higher power demand at 95W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-750 better than Core 2 Duo T7700?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-750 is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7700 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7700 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 i5-750 is the better buy right now. Core i5-750 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $210 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T7700 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-750 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T7700 vs Core i5-750 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo T7700

The Core 2 Duo T7700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006βˆ’2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 2,554 points. Launch price was $307.

Intel

Core i5-750

The Core i5-750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009βˆ’2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,546 points. Launch price was $150.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i5-750 offers 4 cores / 4 threads β€” the Core i5-750 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7700 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-750 β€” a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-750 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7700 uses the Merom (2006βˆ’2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-750 uses Lynnfield (2009βˆ’2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7700 scores 2,554 against the Core i5-750's 2,546 β€” a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7700. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 254 vs 424, a 50.1% lead for the Core i5-750 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7700 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-750.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T7700Core i5-750
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz
3.2 GHz+33%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.66 GHz+11%
L3 Cache
0 kB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB+1500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
65 nm
45 nm-31%
Architecture
Merom (2006βˆ’2008)
Lynnfield (2009βˆ’2010)
PassMark
2,554
2,546
Geekbench 6 Single
254
424+67%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-750 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7700 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-750 β€” the Core i5-750 supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-750 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB β€” 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: GL960,GME965,GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7700) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i5-750).

FeatureCore 2 Duo T7700Core i5-750
Socket
PGA478
LGA1156
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
DDR3-1333+100%
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
16 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7700) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-750). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7700 targets Budget, Core i5-750 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7700 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5000+; Core i5-750 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T7700Core i5-750
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
β€”
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Legacy Desktop