Celeron M 585 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600

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 M 585 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.

Celeron M 585 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.

Celeron M 585

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 1W instead of 6W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core 2 Duo SL9600

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Celeron M 585 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,054 vs 2,062).
❌Launch MSRP is still $316 MSRP, while Celeron M 585 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌500% higher power demand at 6W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron M 585 better than Core 2 Duo SL9600?

Yes. Celeron M 585 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron M 585 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.8% 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, Celeron M 585 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Celeron M 585 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Celeron M 585 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $316 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Duo SL9600 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.8% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core 2 Duo SL9600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron M 585 vs Core 2 Duo SL9600 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron M 585

The Celeron M 585 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.16 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,062 points. Launch price was $70.

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 Celeron M 585 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo SL9600 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.16 GHz on the Celeron M 585 versus 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 — a 1.4% clock advantage for the Celeron M 585. The Celeron M 585 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron M 585 scores 2,062 against the Core 2 Duo SL9600's 2,054 — a 0.4% lead for the Celeron M 585.

Feature	Celeron M 585	Core 2 Duo SL9600
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock	2.16 GHz+1%	2.13 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	—	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	6 MB+500%
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	2,062	2,054

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron M 585 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Celeron M 585 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 — the Core 2 Duo SL9600 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo SL9600 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45 (Celeron M 585) and GS45,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo SL9600).

Feature	Celeron M 585	Core 2 Duo SL9600
Socket	PGA478	BGA956
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	800	DDR3-1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	8 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Celeron M 585) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core 2 Duo SL9600). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9600 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Celeron M 585 rivals Mobile Sempron SI-40.