A8-3800 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600

CPU

GPU

A8-3800

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2011

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Core 2 Duo SL9600

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.13 GHz2009

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A8-3800 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600 Performance Spectrum

A8-3800

4 / 4

2,051

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core 2 Duo SL9600

2 / 2

2,054

+0.1%

Core 2 Duo E7600

Core i3-2370M

Pentium Dual Core T2370

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.

A8-3800 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-3800 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-3800

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $186 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Delivers 142.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.8 vs 6.5 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Core 2 Duo SL9600 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Core 2 Duo SL9600.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,051 vs 2,054).
❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Core 2 Duo SL9600

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.5 vs 15.8 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3800 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3800.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3800 better than Core 2 Duo SL9600?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-3800 is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SL9600 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SL9600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A8-3800 is the better buy right now. A8-3800 comes in $186 cheaper on MSRP at $130 MSRP versus $316 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo SL9600 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 142.7% better value on MSRP (15.8 vs 6.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A8-3800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3800 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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	—

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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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3800 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 — the A8-3800 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3800 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% 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+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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

At launch, the A8-3800 was priced at $130, while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 came in at $316. On launch pricing ($130 vs $316), A8-3800 was $186 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A8-3800 delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 6.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo SL9600 — making the A8-3800 the 83.3% better value option.

Feature	A8-3800	Core 2 Duo SL9600
MSRP	$130-59%	$316
Performance per Dollar	15.8+143%	6.5
Release Date	2011	2009

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