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 E6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 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: 1,175 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 E6400

#270

FX-4300

MSRP: $122|Avg: $25

102%

#271

Athlon 5350

MSRP: $55|Avg: $15

102%

#272

Core i5-8500

MSRP: $192|Avg: $80

101%

#273

Athlon II X4 645

MSRP: $126|Avg: $20

101%

#274

Core i5-2500K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

101%

#275

Core i5-9400F

MSRP: $182|Avg: $80

101%

#276

Core i5-11400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $141

101%

#277

Core i5-3470S

MSRP: $184|Avg: $37

101%

#278

FX-6300

MSRP: $132|Avg: $35

101%

#279

Celeron G540

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

101%

#280

Core i5-13600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $319

100%

#281

Core i5-13500

MSRP: $242|Avg: $264

100%

#282

Ryzen 7 8700G

MSRP: $329|Avg: $269

100%

#283

Core i7-14700

MSRP: $384|Avg: $348

100%

#284

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

MSRP: $328|Avg: $10

100%

#285

Core 2 Duo E6400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

100%

#286

Pentium E6500

MSRP: $84|Avg: $10

100%

#287

Ryzen 5 2500X

MSRP: $159|Avg: $80

100%

#288

Athlon Gold PRO 3150GE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

99%

#289

Core i9-13900K

MSRP: $599|Avg: $500

99%

#290

Core i7-6700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $60

99%

#291

Core 2 Duo E4500

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

99%

#292

Core i7-4790S

MSRP: $312|Avg: $60

99%

#293

Core i3-14100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $131

99%

#294

Core i7-8700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $110

99%

#295

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $699|Avg: $538.04

99%

#296

Core 2 Duo E7500

MSRP: $113|Avg: $10

98%

#297

Celeron E3300

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

98%

#298

Pentium E6800

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

98%

#299

Ryzen 5 3400G

MSRP: $149|Avg: $80

98%

#300

Core i7-10700KF

MSRP: $405|Avg: $160

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E6400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E6400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E6400 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.13 GHz from a base frequency of 2.13 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 1,175, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.13 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.13 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Conroe (2006−2007)
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	143 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	291 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1066 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	61 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,175

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E6400 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 1066 (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 E6400
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	1066
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: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon 64 X2 5400+.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6400
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon 64 X2 5400+

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E6400 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 E6400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	61 °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: $183), the Core 2 Duo E6400 delivers 118 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3193 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E6400
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$183
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	#3193
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2006
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	Conroe (2006−2007)
Performance Ranking Position	3193

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	143 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB
L2 Cache	2 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	1066 MHz
Max Frequency	2.13 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.13 GHz
Transistor Count	291 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature	61 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-