Pentium E5400 vs Core 2 Duo E8235
Pentium E5400
Core 2 Duo E8235
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. The Pentium E5400 is positioned at rank #830 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium E5400
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium E5400 | Core 2 Duo E8235 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($49) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium E5400 | Core 2 Duo E8235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+148%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($49) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
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 Pentium E5400 and Core 2 Duo E8235
Pentium E5400
The Pentium E5400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,007 points. Launch price was $55.
Core 2 Duo E8235
The Core 2 Duo E8235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
Both the Pentium E5400 and Core 2 Duo E8235 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Pentium E5400 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8235 — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8235 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Pentium E5400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium E5400 scores 1,007 against the Core 2 Duo E8235's 1,020 — a 1.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8235.
| Feature | Pentium E5400 | Core 2 Duo E8235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 2.8 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 2.8 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+200% |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,007 | 1,020+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium E5400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo E8235 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Pentium E5400 | Core 2 Duo E8235 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | P |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
Value Analysis
The Pentium E5400 launched at $55 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo E8235 debuted at $0. At current prices ($49 vs $20), the Core 2 Duo E8235 is $29 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium E5400 delivers 20.6 pts/$ vs 51.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8235 — making the Core 2 Duo E8235 the 85.1% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium E5400 | Core 2 Duo E8235 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $55 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $49 | $20-59% |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.6 | 51.0+148% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2009 |
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