Celeron G5925 vs Core 2 Duo SP9600

Intel

Celeron G5925

2 Cores2 Thrd58 WW2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo SP9600

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Celeron G5925 vs Core 2 Duo SP9600 Performance Spectrum

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.

Celeron G5925 vs Core 2 Duo SP9600 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.

Celeron G5925 vs Core 2 Duo SP9600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G5925

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $254 less on MSRP ($62 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
  • Delivers 404.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.3 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($62 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 610, while Core 2 Duo SP9600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,808 vs 2,836).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
  • 866.7% higher power demand at 58W vs 6W.

Core 2 Duo SP9600

2009

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Draws 6W instead of 58W, a 52W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 45.3 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $62 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G5925 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo SP9600 better than Celeron G5925?
Yes. Core 2 Duo SP9600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% 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 SP9600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 SP9600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo SP9600 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo SP9600 comes in 409.7% more expensive on MSRP at $316 MSRP versus $62 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G5925 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 2,808 PassMark with 2 cores and 2 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron G5925 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G5925 vs Core 2 Duo SP9600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G5925

The Celeron G5925 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 58 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 2,808 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core 2 Duo SP9600

The Core 2 Duo SP9600 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 2.53 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: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,836 points. Launch price was $316.

Processing Power

Both the Celeron G5925 and Core 2 Duo SP9600 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo SP9600 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G5925 scores 2,808 against the Core 2 Duo SP9600's 2,836 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9600. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G5925 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9600.

FeatureCeleron G5925Core 2 Duo SP9600
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.53 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+42%
2.53 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
6 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache
6 MB
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
2,808
2,836
Geekbench 6 Single
756
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,248
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G5925 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo SP9600 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron G5925Core 2 Duo SP9600
Socket
LGA1200
BGA479
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+173%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G5925) / not specified (Core 2 Duo SP9600). The Celeron G5925 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Core 2 Duo SP9600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5925 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G5925 rivals Pentium Gold G6405.

FeatureCeleron G5925Core 2 Duo SP9600
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 610
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G5925 was priced at $62, while the Core 2 Duo SP9600 came in at $316. On launch pricing ($62 vs $316), Celeron G5925 was $254 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G5925 delivers 45.3 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo SP9600 — making the Celeron G5925 the 133.8% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G5925Core 2 Duo SP9600
MSRP
$62-80%
$316
Performance per Dollar
45.3+403%
9.0
Release Date
2020
2009

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