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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo E4400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) 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: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,095 points. Launch price was $249.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4400

#694

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

105%

#695

Core 2 Duo E8200

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

104%

#696

Athlon 64 3500+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $10

104%

#697

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

103%

#698

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

103%

#699

Core i5-4690K

MSRP: $243|Avg: $101

103%

#700

Core i7-6700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $143

103%

#701

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

102%

#702

Pentium E5300

MSRP: $62|Avg: $25

102%

#703

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

102%

#704

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

101%

#705

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

101%

#706

Celeron G3900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

101%

#707

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

101%

#708

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

100%

#709

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

100%

#710

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

100%

#711

Core i7-3930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $150

100%

#712

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

100%

#713

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

99%

#714

Celeron G1101

MSRP: $50|Avg: $20

99%

#715

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

98%

#716

FX-770K

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $59

98%

#717

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

96%

#718

Phenom II X3 B77

MSRP: $281|Avg: $35

96%

#719

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

96%

#720

Phenom X4 9500

MSRP: $247|Avg: $30

95%

#721

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

95%

#722

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

95%

#723

Core 2 Duo E8300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

95%

#724

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E4400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E4400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4400 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,095, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 208.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Allendale (2006−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	111 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	167 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	800 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	L2=61 °C, M0=73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,095
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	208

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4400 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR2-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4400
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	RS600,Q965
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo E4400 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: None — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon II X2 240.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4400
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	None
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon II X2 240

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E4400 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	L2=61 °C, M0=73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $113), the Core 2 Duo E4400 delivers 55 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3221 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4400
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$113
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3221
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2007
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$249
Release Date	2008-01-01
Architecture Codename	Allendale (2006−2009)
Performance Ranking Position	3221

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	111 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	800 MHz
Max Frequency	2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2 GHz
Transistor Count	167 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature	L2=61 °C, M0=73 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-