Intel Core 2 Duo E7400

The Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 is a dual-core desktop processor from the Wolfdale generation of Intel's Core 2 family, fabricated on a 45 nm process with 228 million transistors on an 82 mm² die. It operates at a fixed 2.80 GHz base clock with no boost capability, pairs two cores with two threads, and shares a 3 MB L2 cache between the cores. In the benchmark database it holds the 50th percentile among all tracked CPUs, placing it exactly at the median of the processor landscape.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The E7400 presents a symmetric execution profile: two cores, two threads, and a single 2.80 GHz clock with no boost. Because the thread count equals the core count, there is no simultaneous multithreading to extract additional work from a single core — each core handles exactly one thread. The per-core L1 cache is 64 KB, and the two cores share a 3 MB L2 cache. For single-threaded workloads, the 2.80 GHz clock is the primary driver of performance; the Wolfdale architecture's relatively short pipeline and the 45 nm process help keep instruction latency low, but the absence of a boost clock means the frequency never rises above its rated value under any load condition. Multi-threaded workloads can engage both cores, but scaling stops at two threads; any application that expects four or more logical processors will see the E7400 reach its ceiling early. The shared 3 MB L2 is a meaningful asset for multi-threaded work because data exchanged between the two cores does not have to cross the memory bus, reducing contention and improving throughput for cache-resident workloads. The dual-channel memory bus supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3, which gives the memory subsystem broad compatibility, though the data does not list a bandwidth figure. For real workloads, the split is clear: the E7400 is a solid single-thread performer for its generation, while multi-threaded scaling is capped by the 2C/2T configuration. The 50th percentile ranking reflects this balance — it is neither a top-tier part nor a low-end one, sitting exactly in the middle of the database's CPU distribution.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for the E7400, so the comparison must be drawn from its percentile position rather than head-to-head deltas. At the 50th percentile across all CPUs in the database, the E7400 lands at the median. This means half of the tracked processors are faster and half are slower, a reasonable outcome for a dual-core desktop chip from the 45 nm era. Without named rivals, the data does not support any specific deltaPct claims, and no rival scores are available for direct comparison. The architectural facts — 2.80 GHz base clock, 3 MB shared L2, dual-channel memory support — position it as a mainstream part. The end-of-life production status indicates it has been superseded by later generations, and the Socket 775 platform ties it to a specific upgrade path that the database does not further enumerate. The 65 W TDP is modest for a desktop processor, and the fixed 2.80 GHz clock means performance is predictable across different motherboard implementations. The absence of rival entries in the dataset means the percentile rank is the only comparative anchor available for positioning this processor.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmarks array for the E7400 is empty, and the average benchmark score is recorded as 0, meaning the database holds no measured performance figures for this processor. The only quantitative performance signal is the 50th percentile rank. Interpreting that rank: the E7400 sits at the exact middle of the CPU distribution, so in aggregate workloads it should outperform roughly half of all tracked CPUs and fall behind the other half. The fixed 2.80 GHz clock, the 2C/2T layout, and the 3 MB shared L2 are the levers that determine this position. In single-threaded tasks, the clock speed is competitive with other mid-range parts of its generation; in multi-threaded tasks, the two-thread ceiling limits its reach. Because no rival scores or deltaPct values exist in the data, any percentage comparison would be unsupported. The percentile is the sole benchmark-derived figure, and it indicates a median performer — neither a standout nor a laggard. The absence of benchmark data means that the 50th percentile is the only measurable anchor for performance expectations, and any deeper analysis of workload-specific strengths must rely on the architectural characteristics rather than measured scores.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, with no Hyper-Threading, so the thread count equals the core count.

Q: What is the base clock speed?

A: The base clock is 2.80 GHz, and the processor has no boost clock.

Q: What memory types does it support?

A: It supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Does the E7400 have integrated graphics?

A: Integrated graphics are available only on certain motherboards as a chipset feature; the processor itself does not include graphics in the data.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not available.

Q: What is the production status and release date?

A: The processor is end-of-life and was released on 2008-10-09.

Power and Thermals

The E7400 carries a 65 W TDP, which places it in a moderate power class for a dual-core desktop processor. The 45 nm process node from Intel — the same Wolfdale die that packs 228 million transistors into 82 mm² — keeps thermal density in check. A 65 W TDP implies that a modest air cooler is sufficient; the data does not specify cooler dimensions or thermal solution tiers, so the recommendation is qualitative. The end-of-life status means the processor is no longer in production, but the power envelope is low enough that it can operate within standard desktop cooling assumptions. The lack of a boost clock also means power draw does not spike above the base operating point, keeping thermals steady under sustained load. The 45 nm process is a mature node for the era, and the 228 million transistor count on an 82 mm² die indicates a relatively dense layout that benefits from efficient power delivery. The 65 W rating is a single fixed figure, so the data does not distinguish between idle and load power, but the absence of boost suggests a flat power profile.

Platform and Compatibility

The E7400 is built for Intel Socket 775, a platform that supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory through a dual-channel memory bus. The memory controller is not integrated into the processor in the data; the chipset governs memory support, and the integrated graphics option is likewise a chipset feature on certain motherboards. PCIe Gen 2 is supported, which provides the expansion interface for discrete graphics and other add-in cards. ECC memory is not supported, so the platform is aimed at consumer desktop use rather than error-correcting workloads. The processor's production status is end-of-life, and the multiplier is locked, limiting tuning to base clock adjustments. The part number is SLGW3, and the release date is October 2008. The architecture is Core 2 with the Wolfdale codename, and the generation is listed as Core 2 Duo (Wolfdale). The upgrade path on Socket 775 is not detailed in the data, but the end-of-life status signals that the platform has been succeeded by newer sockets. The memory support spanning three DDR generations gives builders flexibility, though the dual-channel bus is the limiting factor for memory throughput. PCIe Gen 2 connectivity provides a modern-enough expansion baseline for the processor's era, and the lack of ECC keeps the platform firmly in consumer territory.