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 E7400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 3 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,043 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 E7400 is positioned at rank #544 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 E7400

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

8965%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

8471%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

6151%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1853%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1468%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1284%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

735%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

726%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

661%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

661%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

653%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

636%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

627%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

624%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

619%

#377

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

99%

#378

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

99%

#379

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

95%

#544

Core 2 Duo E7400

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#545

Athlon 5370

MSRP: $55|Avg: $15

100%

#548

Core i3-6100

MSRP: $125|Avg: $30

98%

#549

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

98%

#550

Core i3-6098P

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

98%

#551

Core i7-7800X

MSRP: $383|Avg: $254

97%

#552

Core i3-7101TE

MSRP: $117|Avg: $60

97%

#555

FX-8320E

MSRP: $147|Avg: $60

97%

#556

Pentium G3260

MSRP: $64|Avg: $21

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E7400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E7400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E7400 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 3 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,043, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	3 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	82 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	228 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1066 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.3625V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,043

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7400 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 E7400
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 II X2 245.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7400
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 II X2 245

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E7400 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 E7400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	true
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #544 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3043 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7400
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#544
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3043
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel