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 T5600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 July 2006 (19 years ago). 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: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,560 points. Launch price was $241.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Duo T5600 is positioned at rank #1179 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 T5600

#1167

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

4535%

#1168

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

4468%

#1169

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

4102%

#1170

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

4083%

#1171

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

4046%

#1173

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3907%

#1174

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3747%

#1175

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3740%

#1176

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3640%

#1179

Core 2 Duo T5600

MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A

100%

#1180

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

100%

#1181

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

100%

#1183

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

97%

#1185

Athlon Neo X2 L325

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

95%

#1186

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#1187

Core i3-3217UE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

94%

#1188

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

93%

#1189

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

93%

#1190

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

90%

#1193

Celeron 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

87%

#1194

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo T5600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5600 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 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 1,560, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5600
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	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	1,560

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5600 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5600
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
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	945GM,945PM
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo T5600 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 T5600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	34 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $241, the Core 2 Duo T5600 delivers 6 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1179 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3263 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T5600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$241
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$241
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1179
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3263
Release DateLaunch date	28 July 2006 (19 years ago)
Release Year	2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel