Atom Z3735G vs Core 2 Duo P9500

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.

Atom Z3735G vs Core 2 Duo P9500 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.

Atom Z3735G vs Core 2 Duo P9500: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom Z3735G

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 6W, a 4W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail), while Core 2 Duo P9500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,891 vs 2,901).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $17 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P9500 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core 2 Duo P9500

2008

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌200% higher power demand at 6W vs 2W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Atom Z3735G can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P9500 better than Atom Z3735G?

Yes. Core 2 Duo P9500 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo P9500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P9500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo P9500 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo P9500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $17 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Atom Z3735G only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (170.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on UTFCBGA592.

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

Atom Z3735G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom Z3735G vs Core 2 Duo P9500 Technical Specifications

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

Atom Z3735G

The Atom Z3735G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,891 points. Launch price was $17.

Core 2 Duo P9500

The Core 2 Duo P9500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,901 points. Launch price was $348.

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Processing Power

The Atom Z3735G packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo P9500 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Atom Z3735G has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.83 GHz on the Atom Z3735G versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9500 — a 32.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P9500 (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Atom Z3735G uses the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z3735G scores 2,891 against the Core 2 Duo P9500's 2,901 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo P9500. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Atom Z3735G vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9500.

Feature	Atom Z3735G	Core 2 Duo P9500
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.83 GHz	2.53 GHz+38%
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	2.53 GHz+90%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache	2 MB	6 MB+200%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Bay Trail-T (2013−2014)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	2,891	2,901
Geekbench 6 Single	—	340
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	650

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Memory & Platform

The Atom Z3735G uses the UTFCBGA592 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-RS 1333 on the Atom Z3735G versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P9500 — the Atom Z3735G supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo P9500 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 1 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom Z3735G) vs 2 (Core 2 Duo P9500). Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom Z3735G) and PM45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo P9500).

Feature	Atom Z3735G	Core 2 Duo P9500
Socket	UTFCBGA592	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-RS 1333+25%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	1 GB	8 GB+700%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z3735G) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo P9500). The Atom Z3735G includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo P9500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P9500 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.