Core i5-2450M vs Core 2 Duo T7250
Core i5-2450M
Core 2 Duo T7250
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 i5-2450M is positioned at rank 1100 and the Core 2 Duo T7250 is on rank 20, so the Core 2 Duo T7250 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2450M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T7250
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-2450M and Core 2 Duo T7250
Core i5-2450M
The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.
Core 2 Duo T7250
The Core 2 Duo T7250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,073 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T7250's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7250 — a 43.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2450M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-2450M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7250 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Core 2 Duo T7250's 2,073 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2450M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7250.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+55% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+25% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 2,073 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,352 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 453 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 871 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T7250 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2450M versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7250 — the Core i5-2450M supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2450M) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7250).
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2450M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7250). The Core i5-2450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo T7250 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7250 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M; Core 2 Duo T7250 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core 2 Duo T7250 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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