Core 2 Duo E4600
Intel
PassMark
1,235
MSRP
$133
AVG Price
$9.6
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 E4600 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,235 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 E4600 is positioned at rank #1006 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 Core 2 Duo E4600
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E4600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E4600 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E4600 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 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 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 1,235, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E4600 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.4 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 | 1,235 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E4600 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 DDR2-800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E4600 |
|---|---|
| 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 | DDR2-800 |
| 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 | Q963,P35,G31 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core 2 Duo E4600 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.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E4600 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 73 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $9.6 (MSRP: $133), the Core 2 Duo E4600 delivers 129 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1006 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3187 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo E4600 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $133 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $9.6 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $249 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1006 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3187 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2008-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2007 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
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AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E4600
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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