Core 2 Duo T5500
Intel
PassMark
1,660
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 T5500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 1.66 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo T5500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Garry's Mod
Grand Theft Auto V
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo T5500 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T5500 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.66 GHz from a base frequency of 1.66 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 1,660, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 1.66 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.66 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Merom (2006−2008) |
| 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 | 667 MHz |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 1.0375V-1.3V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,660 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T5500 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | PGA478 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core 2 Duo T5500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 34 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 34 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #3336 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $249 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3336 |
| 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.
3 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $249 |
| Release Date | 2008-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Merom (2006−2008) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3336 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
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 | 667 MHz |
| Max Frequency | 1.66 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 1.66 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 291 Million |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 1.0375V-1.3V |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 34 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Similar Performance
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Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo T5500
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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