Core 2 Extreme X7900 vs E2-1800

Intel

Core 2 Extreme X7900

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2007
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

E2-1800

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core 2 Extreme X7900 vs E2-1800 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 Extreme X7900 vs E2-1800 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 Extreme X7900 vs E2-1800: 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 Extreme X7900

2007

Why buy it

  • Draws 4W instead of 18W, a 14W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

E2-1800

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,110 vs 1,115).
    • 350% higher power demand at 18W vs 4W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core 2 Extreme X7900 better than E2-1800?
    Yes. Core 2 Extreme X7900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Extreme X7900 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 64.7% higher max boost clock.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Extreme X7900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core 2 Extreme X7900 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Extreme X7900 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% higher PassMark.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    E2-1800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core 2 Extreme X7900 vs E2-1800 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Core 2 Extreme X7900

    The Core 2 Extreme X7900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,115 points. Launch price was $851.

    AMD

    E2-1800

    The E2-1800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Zacate (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,110 points. Launch price was $50.

    Processing Power

    Both the Core 2 Extreme X7900 and E2-1800 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X7900 versus 1.7 GHz on the E2-1800 — a 48.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme X7900. The Core 2 Extreme X7900 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the E2-1800 uses Zacate (2011−2013) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme X7900 scores 1,115 against the E2-1800's 1,110 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Extreme X7900. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureCore 2 Extreme X7900E2-1800
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz+65%
    1.7 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    4 MB
    512K (per core)+12700%
    Process
    65 nm
    40 nm-38%
    Architecture
    Merom (2006−2008)
    Zacate (2011−2013)
    PassMark
    1,115
    1,110
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core 2 Extreme X7900 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the E2-1800 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore 2 Extreme X7900E2-1800
    Socket
    PGA478
    FT1
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-667
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme X7900) / not specified (E2-1800). Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme X7900 targets Mobile.

    FeatureCore 2 Extreme X7900E2-1800
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Unlocked
    Yes
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Mobile