A6-7400K vs Core 2 Duo T9300
A6-7400K
Core 2 Duo T9300
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.
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. The A6-7400K is positioned at rank 869 and the Core 2 Duo T9300 is on rank 176, so the Core 2 Duo T9300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-7400K
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-7400K | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-7400K | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+114%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A6-7400K and Core 2 Duo T9300
A6-7400K
The A6-7400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,678 points. Launch price was $70.
Core 2 Duo T9300
The Core 2 Duo T9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,670 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
Both the A6-7400K and Core 2 Duo T9300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the A6-7400K versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 — a 43.7% clock advantage for the A6-7400K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A6-7400K uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7400K scores 1,678 against the Core 2 Duo T9300's 1,670 — a 0.5% lead for the A6-7400K.
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+56% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+40% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 6 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB | 6 MB+500% |
| Process | 28 nm-38% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Kaveri (2014−2015) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,678 | 1,670 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 432 |
Memory & Platform
The A6-7400K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-7400K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9300 — the A6-7400K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: FM2+ (A6-7400K) and GM965,PM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9300).
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2+ | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-7400K) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300). The A6-7400K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: A6-7400K rivals Pentium G3420; Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon R5 Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The A6-7400K launched at $101 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo T9300 debuted at $316. At current prices ($43 vs $20), the Core 2 Duo T9300 is $23 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the A6-7400K delivers 39.0 pts/$ vs 83.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo T9300 — making the Core 2 Duo T9300 the 72.6% better value option.
| Feature | A6-7400K | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $101-68% | $316 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $43 | $20-53% |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.0 | 83.5+114% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2008 |
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