Introduction
The Intel Core 2 is a very successful line of processors. They are based on the Core microarchitecture which offers a tremendous improvement in performance and power efficiency. There are currently over 30 different processor models based on three main core designs. They are split into several performance grades :
- Core 2 Extreme (QX Series) - High-end quad-core Core 2 processor with unlocked multipliers
- Core 2 Extreme (X Series) - High-end dual-core Core 2 processor with unlocked multipliers
- Core 2 Quad (Q Series) - Mainstream quad-core Core 2 processor
- Core 2 Duo (E Series) - Mainstream dual-core Core 2 processor
The Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 is the new low-cost Core 2 Duo processor based on the Wolfdale core. Unlike "regular" Wolfdale processors though, the E7200 only has 3MB of L2 cache and uses a slower FSB speed of 1066 MHz. But you get the same basic processor core at a much lower price.
Based on the new 45 nm fabrication process, this processor is built using Intel's new high-k (hafnium) dielectric and metal gate technology. The new process technology not only reduces the current leakage and thermal output of the new processor, it also allows for faster gate switching and consequently, higher clock speeds. In addition, the smaller fabrication process enabled Intel to increase the L2 cache size by 50%. In the case of the E7200 though, only half of the cache is enabled.
Alright, enough about the tech-talk. What matters most to the user is really the performance of the new processor. If you are going to pay so much for this one, it had better show a real improvement over your current processor. Right? That is what we will be examining in this review. Right now, let's take a look at how the Core 2 Duo E7200 compares against its older 65nm brethren and "regular" 45nm dual-core and quad-core processors.
Processor |
Fab |
Cores |
L1 Cache |
L2 Cache |
FSB |
Multiplier |
Clock |
Core 2 Duo E7200 |
45 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
3 MB |
1066 MHz |
9.5x |
2.53 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX9650 |
45 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
6 MB x 2 |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Extreme QX6850 |
65 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E8500 |
45 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
6 MB |
1333 MHz |
9.5x |
3.16 GHz |
Core 2 Quad Q6600 |
65 nm |
4 |
32 KB x 4 |
4 MB x 2 |
1066 MHz |
9x |
2.4 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6850 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1333 MHz |
9x |
3.0 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6750 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1333 MHz |
8x |
2.67 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6600 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1066 MHz |
9x |
2.4 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6550/E6540 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1333 MHz |
7x |
2.33 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6420 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1066 MHz |
8x |
2.13 GHz |
Core 2 Duo E6320 |
65 nm |
2 |
32 KB x 2 |
4 MB |
1066 MHz |
7x |
1.86 GHz |
For more specifications, take a look at our Desktop CPU Comparison Guide. |
Here are the Intel Core 2 Duo E7200's full specifications.
Specifications
Code Name |
Wolfdale |
sSpec Number |
SLAPC |
Core Stepping |
M0 |
CPUID String |
10676h |
Socket |
LGA 775 |
Transistor Count |
420 million transistors |
Fabrication Process |
45 nanometer high-k |
Die Size |
107 mm² |
Clock Speed |
2.53 GHz |
Front Side Bus Speed |
1066 MHz |
CPU Multiplier |
9.5x |
L1 Cache |
32 KB x 2 |
L2 Cache |
3 MB |
VID Voltage Range |
0.85 V minimum |
Thermal Design Power |
65 W |
Maximum Operating Temperature |
74.1 °C |
Supported Features |
Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology |
Okay, let's give this processor a spin!