Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i5-3360M

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 i5-3360M 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 i5-3360M: 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

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3360M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3360M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3360M

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo P9500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,892 vs 2,901).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P9500 better than Core i5-3360M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3360M is ahead with a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P9500 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core 2 Duo P9500 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P9500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo P9500 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo P9500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark.

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

Core i5-3360M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i5-3360M 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 i5-3360M

The Core i5-3360M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,892 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3360M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9500 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3360M — a 32.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3360M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3360M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9500 scores 2,901 against the Core i5-3360M's 2,892 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo P9500. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3360M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9500	Core i5-3360M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	3.5 GHz+38%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	2.8 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,901	2,892
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 i5-3360M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P9500 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3360M — the Core i5-3360M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3360M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: PM45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo P9500) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3360M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9500	Core i5-3360M
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo P9500) vs true (Core i5-3360M). The Core i5-3360M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), 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; Core i5-3360M rivals AMD A10-4600M.