Core 2 Duo T7400
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Duo T7400

Intel

PassMark

1,861

28 August 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 T7400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.16 GHz, with boost up to 2.16 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: 1,861 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 T7400 is positioned at rank #1027 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 T7400

#1015
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
2364%
#1016
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
2330%
#1017
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2139%
#1018
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2129%
#1019
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2109%
#1021
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2037%
#1022
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1953%
#1023
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1950%
#1024
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1898%
#1027
Core 2 Duo T7400
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#1028
Celeron B840
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
100%
#1029
Celeron M 743
MSRP: $107|Avg: $15
100%
#1030
Core i7-3612QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
99%
#1031
Pentium 967
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
99%
#1032
Core i5-4400E
MSRP: $266|Avg: $50
98%
#1034
Pentium Dual Core T4400
MSRP: $107|Avg: $5
97%
#1037
Core i7-8665UE
MSRP: $409|Avg: $409
96%
#1038
Celeron T3300
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
94%
#1039
Celeron Dual-Core T3300
MSRP: $86|Avg: $30
94%
#1042
Core i7-3612QE
MSRP: $426|Avg: $50
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo T7400 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7400 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 2.16 GHz from a base frequency of 2.16 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 1,861, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 310, while multi-core reaches 550.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.16 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.16 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 Range1.1625V-1.3V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,861
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming310
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance550
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7400 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7400
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core 2 Duo
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR2-667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNone
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU945GT,GME965
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo T7400 is primarily designed for Legacy Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7400
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryLegacy Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo T7400 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: Laptop Cooling.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload34 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Cooling
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #1027 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3197 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo T7400
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$286
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1027
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3197
Release DateLaunch date28 August 2006 (19 years ago)
Release Year2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

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