Core 2 Duo T9400 vs Pentium E2200

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 T9400 vs Pentium E2200 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 T9400 vs Pentium E2200: 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 T9400

2008

Why buy it

✅+500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium E2200

2007

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (985 vs 1,004).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $84 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9400 better than Pentium E2200?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo T9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo T9400 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo T9400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $84 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium E2200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 2 Duo T9400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2007) and 500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T9400 vs Pentium E2200 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T9400

The Core 2 Duo T9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,004 points. Launch price was $316.

Pentium E2200

The Pentium E2200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 985 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T9400 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9400 scores 1,004 against the Pentium E2200's 985 — a 1.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9400. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9400 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2200.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9400	Pentium E2200
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+15%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+500%	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB	—
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	1,004+2%	985
Geekbench 6 Single	320	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium E2200 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9400	Pentium E2200
Socket	PGA478	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9400) / not specified (Pentium E2200). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9400 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.