Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i3-10100Y

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.

Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i3-10100Y 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.

Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i3-10100Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 2 Duo P9500

2008

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,901 vs 2,918).

Core i3-10100Y

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10100Y better than Core 2 Duo P9500?

Yes. Core i3-10100Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-10100Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 i3-10100Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-10100Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-10100Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-10100Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i3-10100Y Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i3-10100Y

The Core i3-10100Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,918 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-10100Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9500 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-10100Y — a 42.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-10100Y (base: 2.53 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-10100Y uses Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9500 scores 2,901 against the Core i3-10100Y's 2,918 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-10100Y. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9500 vs 4 MB on the Core i3-10100Y.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9500	Core i3-10100Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	3.9 GHz+54%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+95%	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+50%	4 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB+1100%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)
PassMark	2,901	2,918
Geekbench 6 Single	340	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-10100Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9500	Core i3-10100Y
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo P9500) / not specified (Core i3-10100Y). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo P9500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P9500 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.