CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo P8700
Core 2 Duo SP9600
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 P8700 is positioned at rank 140 and the Core 2 Duo SP9600 is on rank 138, so the Core 2 Duo SP9600 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 P8700
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core 2 Duo SP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core 2 Duo SP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+268%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) |
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 P8700 and Core 2 Duo SP9600
Core 2 Duo P8700
The Core 2 Duo P8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 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: 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: 2,805 points. Launch price was $209.
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 Core 2 Duo P8700 and Core 2 Duo SP9600 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8700 versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9600 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). Both are built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P8700 scores 2,805 against the Core 2 Duo SP9600's 2,836 — a 1.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9600. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8700 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core 2 Duo SP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.53 GHz | 2.53 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | 2.53 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 | 2,805 | 2,836+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo P8700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo SP9600 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core 2 Duo SP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA479 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core 2 Duo P8700) / not specified (Core 2 Duo SP9600). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8700 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core 2 Duo SP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo P8700 launched at $241 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo SP9600 debuted at $316.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo P8700 | Core 2 Duo SP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $241-24% | $316 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $85 | — |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2009 |
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