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. The Core 2 Duo E4500 is positioned at rank #1017 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

35584%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

33623%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

24413%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

7355%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5826%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

5096%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2919%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2881%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2623%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2623%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2593%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2524%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2488%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2478%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2456%

#1017

Core 2 Duo E4500

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

100%

#1019

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

99%

#1020

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

99%

#1021

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

99%

#1022

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

98%

#1023

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

96%

#1024

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

96%

#1025

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

95%

#1027

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

92%

#1028

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

92%

#1029

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

92%

#1030

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

91%

#1031

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

91%

#1032

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 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)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,165

🧠

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.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4500
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	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	P35,G31,G33,P45
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

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+.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4500
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	false
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon 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.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E4500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $133), the Core 2 Duo E4500 delivers 117 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1017 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3212 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1017
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3212
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2007
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel