Core 2 Duo E4500
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Duo E4500

Intel

PassMark

1,165

MSRP

$133

AVG Price

$10

2008-01-01
65 Watt
Allendale (2006−2009)

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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo E4500 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,165 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 E4500

#276
Core i5-11400
MSRP: $182|Avg: $141
101%
#277
Core i5-3470S
MSRP: $184|Avg: $37
101%
#278
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101%
#279
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101%
#280
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101%
#281
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101%
#282
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101%
#283
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101%
#284
Athlon 64 X2 4000+
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101%
#285
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101%
#286
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#287
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#288
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#289
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MSRP: $599|Avg: $500
100%
#290
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MSRP: $303|Avg: $60
100%
#291
Core 2 Duo E4500
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
100%
#292
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MSRP: $312|Avg: $60
100%
#293
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100%
#294
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99%
#295
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MSRP: $699|Avg: $538.04
99%
#296
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MSRP: $113|Avg: $10
99%
#297
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MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
99%
#298
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MSRP: $86|Avg: $10
99%
#299
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MSRP: $149|Avg: $80
99%
#300
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MSRP: $405|Avg: $160
99%
#301
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MSRP: $262|Avg: $170
99%
#302
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MSRP: $42|Avg: $10
99%
#303
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MSRP: $37|Avg: $10
98%
#304
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MSRP: $409|Avg: $400
98%
#305
Core i5-4590S
MSRP: $192|Avg: $45
98%
#306
Pentium G2020
MSRP: $64|Avg: $15
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E4500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E4500 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E4500 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 2.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 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 1,165, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E4500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designAllendale (2006−2009)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor111 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities167 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency800 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)73 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,165
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4500 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to 800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E4500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNone
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUP35,G31,G33,P45
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: false — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon 64 X2 4600+.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E4500
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyfalse
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerAthlon 64 X2 4600+
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E4500 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 true stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock Cooler.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E4500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxtrue
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock Cooler
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $133), the Core 2 Duo E4500 delivers 117 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3212 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo E4500
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$133
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3212
Release DateLaunch date2008-01-01
Release Year2007
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

Typedesktop
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$249
Release Date2008-01-01
Architecture CodenameAllendale (2006−2009)
Performance Ranking Position3212

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores2
Threads2
Die Size111 mm2
L1 Cache64 kB
L2 Cache2 MB
L3 Cache0 kB
Bus Speed800 MHz
Max Frequency2.2 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.2 GHz
Transistor Count167 million
Process Technology65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage0.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature73 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA775
PCIe GenerationPCIe 1.1
Power Consumption (TDP)65 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

1 spec

RAM TypesDDR1, DDR2, DDR3

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E4500

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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