CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo U7600
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
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 U7600 is positioned at rank 1206 and the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is on rank 1101, so the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 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 U7600
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo U7600 | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom-2048 (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo U7600 | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2114%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
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 U7600 and Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Core 2 Duo U7600
The Core 2 Duo U7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom-2048 (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,263 points. Launch price was $249.
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,255 points. Launch price was $309.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo U7600 and Athlon 64 X2 4200+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo U7600 versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. The Core 2 Duo U7600 uses the Merom-2048 (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo U7600 scores 1,263 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo U7600. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo U7600 | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.2 GHz | 2.2 GHz+83% |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 512 kB |
| Process | 65 nm-28% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Merom-2048 (2006−2008) | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,263 | 1,255 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo U7600 uses the BGA479 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo U7600 | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA479 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo U7600 launched at $250 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ debuted at $581. At current prices ($5 vs $110), the Core 2 Duo U7600 is $105 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo U7600 delivers 252.6 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — making the Core 2 Duo U7600 the 182.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo U7600 | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-57% | $581 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-95% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 252.6+2116% | 11.4 |
| Release Date | 2006 | 2006 |
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