Core 2 Duo P9500
VS
Atom Z3735G

Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Atom Z3735G

Intel

Core 2 Duo P9500

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Intel

Atom Z3735G

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.83 GHz2014

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 P9500 is positioned at rank 354 and the Atom Z3735G is on rank 5, so the Atom Z3735G offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P9500

#102
Core i3-1220P
MSRP: $250|Avg: $150
100%
#107
Core Ultra 5 228V
MSRP: $295|Avg: $295
99%
#111
Ryzen 5 PRO 5675U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $180
98%
#342
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
506%
#343
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
498%
#344
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
457%
#345
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
455%
#346
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
451%
#348
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
436%
#349
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
418%
#350
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
417%
#351
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
406%
#354
Core 2 Duo P9500
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Atom Z3735G

#4
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
101%
#5
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
100%
#6
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
92%
#7
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
91%
#8
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
91%
#10
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
87%
#11
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
84%
#12
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
84%
#13
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
81%
#17
Core i3-350M
MSRP: $130|Avg: $10
75%
#18
Atom x5-E8000
MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A
74%
#19
Core 2 Duo T5900
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5
73%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Atom Z3735G (2014) utilizes 22 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore 2 Duo P9500Atom Z3735G
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($17)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) / 22 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo P9500 (2008) relies on 45 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore 2 Duo P9500Atom Z3735G
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($17)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 P9500 and Atom Z3735G

Intel

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.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

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

FeatureCore 2 Duo P9500Atom Z3735G
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.53 GHz+38%
1.83 GHz
Base Clock
2.53 GHz+90%
1.33 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB L2 Cache+200%
2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
6 MB+200%
2 MB
Process
45 nm
22 nm-51%
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
Bay Trail-T (2013−2014)
PassMark
2,901
2,891
Geekbench 6 Single
340
Geekbench 6 Multi
650
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Atom Z3735G uses UTFCBGA592 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core 2 Duo P9500 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 1 GB 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core 2 Duo P9500) vs 1 (Atom Z3735G). Chipset compatibility: PM45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo P9500) and Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom Z3735G).

FeatureCore 2 Duo P9500Atom Z3735G
Socket
PGA478
UTFCBGA592
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
DDR3L-RS 1333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB+700%
1 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo P9500) / not specified (Atom Z3735G). 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.

FeatureCore 2 Duo P9500Atom Z3735G
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget