
Core 2 Duo P8400 vs Core 2 Duo SP9300

Core 2 Duo P8400

Core 2 Duo SP9300
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 Core 2 Duo P8400 is positioned at rank 33 and the Core 2 Duo SP9300 is on rank 535, so the Core 2 Duo P8400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P8400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Core 2 Duo P8400 and Core 2 Duo SP9300

Core 2 Duo P8400
The Core 2 Duo P8400 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,497 points. Launch price was $209.

Core 2 Duo SP9300
The Core 2 Duo SP9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,517 points. Launch price was $284.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo P8400 and Core 2 Duo SP9300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8400 versus 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). Both are built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8400 scores 2,497 against the Core 2 Duo SP9300's 2,517 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9300. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8400 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9300.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.26 GHz | 2.26 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz | 2.26 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB L2 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 6 MB+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,497 | 2,517 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo P8400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo SP9300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8400 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 — the Core 2 Duo P8400 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: GM45,GS45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8400) and GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9300).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo P8400) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9300). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8400 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8400 | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
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