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 T5550 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 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,826 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 T5550

Pentium Dual Core T3200

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

197%

Atom N2800

MSRP: $47|Avg: $3

167%

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

161%

Core 2 Duo T7500

MSRP: $316|Avg: $5

126%

Core 2 Duo T5900

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

116%

Ryzen 3 PRO 210

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $30

111%

Ryzen 7 260

MSRP: $199|Avg: $70

111%

Celeron B800

MSRP: $80|Avg: $5

105%

Core 2 Duo T5550

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

100%

#10

Pentium Dual Core T2390

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

97%

#11

Athlon X2 QL-66

MSRP: $150|Avg: $5

93%

#12

Core i9-14900HX

MSRP: $668|Avg: $149

82%

#13

Core 2 Duo T7200

MSRP: $286|Avg: $6

78%

#14

Core i7-11850HE

MSRP: $400|Avg: $75

78%

#15

Celeron Dual-Core T1400

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

75%

#16

Pentium Dual Core T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

70%

#17

Athlon Neo MV-40

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

70%

#18

Core 2 Duo U7600

MSRP: $250|Avg: $5

69%

#19

Core 2 Duo P8400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

68%

#20

Celeron M U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

66%

#21

Pentium B940

MSRP: $134|Avg: $11

65%

#22

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

65%

#23

Pentium T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

64%

#24

Core 2 Duo T8100

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

64%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo T5550 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo T5550 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5550 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 1.83 GHz from a base frequency of 1.83 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,826, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5550
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.83 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.83 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Merom (2006−2008)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
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	1.075V-1.25V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,826

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5550 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5550
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo T5550 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5550
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $5, the Core 2 Duo T5550 delivers 365 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3292 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5550
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$5
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$249
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3292
Release DateLaunch date	2008-01-01
Release Year	2008
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

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	3292

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	143 mm2
L2 Cache	2 MB
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed	667 MHz
Max Frequency	1.83 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.83 GHz
Transistor Count	291 Million
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	1.075V-1.25V
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-