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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. 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

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #3002 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Extreme X7900
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$851
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core 2 Extreme
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$851
Release Date	1 September 2007 (18 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Merom (2006−2008)
Performance Ranking Position	3002

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	143 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	4 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Bus Speed	800 MHz
Max Frequency	2.8 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	1.1V-1.375V
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-