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 E8400 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 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,165 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 E8400 is positioned at rank #508 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 E8400

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

8028%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

7585%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

5508%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1659%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1314%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1150%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

659%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

650%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

592%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

592%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

585%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

569%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

561%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

559%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

554%

#262

Core i7-8700K

MSRP: $359|Avg: $160

97%

#373

Core i7-9700T

MSRP: $323|Avg: $276

99%

#508

Core 2 Duo E8400

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#511

Athlon X4 880K

MSRP: $95|Avg: $25

99%

#515

Athlon X4 870K

MSRP: $90|Avg: $35

99%

#518

Pentium G2030T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

98%

#519

Athlon X4 730

MSRP: $60|Avg: $52

98%

#520

Core i3-7101E

MSRP: $117|Avg: $50

98%

#522

Athlon II X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $20

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo E8400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo E8400 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8400 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 3 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 6 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 1,165, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 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	6 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	104 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	410 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1333 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.85V-1.3625V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,165

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8400 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 1333 (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 E8400
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	1333
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 Phenom II X2 550.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8400
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	Phenom II X2 550

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo E8400 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 E8400
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 #508 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2969 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo E8400
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#508
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2969
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel