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. 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.
ARC Raiders
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Delta Force
Destiny 2
Grand Theft Auto V
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
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. 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 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3187 |
| 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
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $249 |
| Release Date | 2008-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Allendale (2006−2009) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3187 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
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 | 2.4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 167 million |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 0.85V-1.5V |
| Max Core Temperature | 73 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 65 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo E4600
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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