A8-3800 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600
A8-3800
Core 2 Duo SL9600
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 A8-3800 is positioned at rank 886 and the Core 2 Duo SL9600 is on rank 1177, so the A8-3800 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-3800
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SL9600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-3800 | Core 2 Duo SL9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-3800 | Core 2 Duo SL9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+689%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) |
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 A8-3800 and Core 2 Duo SL9600
A8-3800
The A8-3800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,051 points. Launch price was $90.
Core 2 Duo SL9600
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,054 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
The A8-3800 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3800 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the A8-3800 versus 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 — a 23.6% clock advantage for the A8-3800 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The A8-3800 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3800 scores 2,051 against the Core 2 Duo SL9600's 2,054 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo SL9600. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3800 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9600.
| Feature | A8-3800 | Core 2 Duo SL9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz+27% | 2.13 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+13% | 2.13 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 6 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 6 MB+500% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,051 | 2,054 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 370 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,350 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A8-3800 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1866 memory speed. The A8-3800 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-3800) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo SL9600) — the A8-3800 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3800) and GS45,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo SL9600).
| Feature | A8-3800 | Core 2 Duo SL9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM1 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+300% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3800) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core 2 Duo SL9600). The A8-3800 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3800 targets Budget Desktop, Core 2 Duo SL9600 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A8-3800 rivals Core i3-2100.
| Feature | A8-3800 | Core 2 Duo SL9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6550D | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The A8-3800 launched at $130 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 debuted at $316.
| Feature | A8-3800 | Core 2 Duo SL9600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $130-59% | $316 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2009 |
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