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 Extreme X7900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,115 points. Launch price was $851.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Extreme X7900 is positioned at rank #1162 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 Extreme X7900

#1150

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

4185%

#1151

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

4124%

#1152

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

3786%

#1153

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

3769%

#1154

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

3734%

#1156

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3606%

#1157

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3458%

#1158

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3452%

#1159

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3359%

#1162

Core 2 Extreme X7900

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#1163

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

100%

#1164

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

98%

#1165

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

97%

#1166

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

97%

#1167

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

97%

#1168

Core M-5Y31

MSRP: $281|Avg: $30

97%

#1170

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

96%

#1171

Core M-5Y70

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#1172

Celeron U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

95%

#1173

Celeron T1600

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

95%

#1174

Pro A12-8800B

MSRP: $400|Avg: $40

95%

#1176

Core i7-2637M

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

93%

#1177

Core 2 Duo SL9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Extreme X7900 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Extreme X7900 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme X7900 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 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 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 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,115, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme X7900
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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	4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	143 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	800 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	1.1V-1.375V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,115

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme X7900 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1 memory at speeds up to DDR2-667 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core 2 Extreme X7900
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core 2 Extreme
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
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1
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
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Extreme X7900 is primarily designed for Mobile. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Extreme X7900
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Extreme X7900 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 44 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme X7900
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	44 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #1162 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3002 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme X7900
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$851
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1162
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3002
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2007 (18 years ago)
Release Year	2007
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel