Core 2 Duo T7200
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Duo T7200

Intel

PassMark

1,717

MSRP

$286

AVG Price

$6

28 July 2006 (19 years ago)
34 Watt
Merom (2006−2008)

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 T7200 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 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,717 points. Launch price was $286.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Duo T7200 is positioned at rank #29 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great 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 T7200

#17
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
171%
#18
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
168%
#19
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
155%
#20
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
154%
#21
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
152%
#23
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
147%
#24
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
141%
#25
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
141%
#26
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
137%
#29
Core 2 Duo T7200
MSRP: $286|Avg: $6
100%
#30
Core i5-3230M
MSRP: $225|Avg: $13
100%
#31
Atom D525
MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A
99%
#32
Atom x7835RE
MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A
99%
#33
Core 2 Duo P8400
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
97%
#38
Core 2 Duo T8100
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
90%
#39
Atom 330
MSRP: $43|Avg: $30
89%
#43
Core 2 Duo SU7300
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
87%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo T7200 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7200 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 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 4 MB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,717, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7200
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designMerom (2006−2008)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor143 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities291 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency667 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range1.0375V-1.3V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,717
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7200 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7200
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core 2 Duo
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR2-667
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUGM965,PM965
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo T7200 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7200
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerAthlon 64 X2 TK-42
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo T7200 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7200
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload34 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $6 (MSRP: $286), the Core 2 Duo T7200 delivers 286 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #29 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3215 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7200
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$286
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$6
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$286
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#29
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3215
Release DateLaunch date28 July 2006 (19 years ago)
Release Year2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo T7200

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