Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-4288U

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 T7800 vs Core i5-4288U 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 T7800 vs Core i5-4288U: 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 T7800

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 4W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4288U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Graphics 5100, while Core 2 Duo T7800 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,659 vs 2,663).
❌Launch MSRP is still $342 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T7800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌12700% higher power demand at 512W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4288U better than Core 2 Duo T7800?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4288U is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7800 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T7800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i5-4288U is the better buy right now. Core i5-4288U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $342 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T7800 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4288U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T7800 vs Core i5-4288U Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T7800

The Core 2 Duo T7800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 August 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 2,663 points. Launch price was $515.

Core i5-4288U

The Core i5-4288U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-4288U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7800 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4288U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-4288U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7800 scores 2,663 against the Core i5-4288U's 2,659 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7800. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7800 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4288U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7800	Core i5-4288U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB	256K (per core)+6300%
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,663	2,659
Geekbench 6 Single	—	880
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,800

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4288U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7800 versus DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i5-4288U — the Core i5-4288U supports 139.9% 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 T7800) and Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4288U).

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7800	Core i5-4288U
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	DDR3L 1600 MHz+140%
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7800) vs true (Core i5-4288U). The Core i5-4288U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Core 2 Duo T7800 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7800 targets Budget, Core i5-4288U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7800 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.