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. 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

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

113%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

112%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

109%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

109%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

108%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

106%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

105%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

105%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

105%

#370

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

104%

#371

Core M-5Y70

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

104%

#372

Core i7-4510U

MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A

104%

#373

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

103%

#374

Core i7-2637M

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

101%

#375

Core 2 Duo SL9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

100%

#376

Core 2 Duo T5600

MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A

100%

#377

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

100%

#378

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

97%

#379

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#380

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

93%

#381

Pentium U5400

MSRP: $289|Avg: $214

93%

#382

Core Solo T1350

MSRP: $200|Avg: $70

89%

#383

Atom N475

MSRP: $75|Avg: N/A

83%

#384

Core i3-2312M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

82%

#385

Celeron 925

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

81%

#386

Core 2 Duo SU7300

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

80%

#387

Core Duo T2400

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

78%

#388

Pentium M 735

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

77%

#389

Core i7-620LM

MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A

75%

#390

Core i7-740QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

75%

#391

Celeron U3600

MSRP: $134|Avg: $134

72%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo T5600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. 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
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

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	$241
Release Date	28 July 2006 (19 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Merom (2006−2008)
Performance Ranking Position	3263

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	1.83 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.83 GHz
Transistor Count	291 Million
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	1.0375V-1.3V
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-