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Overview

The Core 2 Duo E7600 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 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 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: 1,150 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 E7600 is positioned at rank #1019 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 E7600

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

36036%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

34051%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

24724%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

7448%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5900%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

5161%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2956%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2917%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2656%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2656%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2626%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2556%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2520%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2510%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2487%

#396

Ryzen Embedded R2314

MSRP: $300|Avg: $762

89%

#1019

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

100%

#1020

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

100%

#1021

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

100%

#1022

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

99%

#1023

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

97%

#1024

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

97%

#1025

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

96%

#1027

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

93%

#1028

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

93%

#1029

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

93%

#1030

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

93%

#1031

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

92%

#1032

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

90%

#1033

Core i7-860S

MSRP: $299|Avg: $96

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E7600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E7600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E7600 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 0.07 GHz from a base frequency of 3.06 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 (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,150, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 422, while multi-core reaches 690.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	0.07 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.06 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 (per core)
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	1,150
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	422
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	690

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E7600 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 DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB 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 E7600
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	DDR3-1066
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	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	P45,P43,G45,G43,P35,G33
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo E7600 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon II X2 250.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7600
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Athlon II X2 250

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E7600 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 Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Air Cooler.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Air Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $133), the Core 2 Duo E7600 delivers 23 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1019 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2979 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E7600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$133
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1019
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2979
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel