Core 2 Duo P9500 vs Core i5-3380M

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 i5-3380M 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 i5-3380M: 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

✅+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 i5-3380M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (650 vs 1,600).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3380M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3380M

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% 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

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3380M better than Core 2 Duo P9500?

Yes. Core i5-3380M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 146.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.3% higher 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 i5-3380M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% 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 i5-3380M is the stronger fit. You are getting 146.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3380M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-3380M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-3380M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 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 i5-3380M 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 i5-3380M

The Core i5-3380M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 2,938 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3380M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9500 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3380M — a 34.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3380M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3380M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9500 scores 2,901 against the Core i5-3380M's 2,938 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-3380M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 340 vs 700, a 69.2% lead for the Core i5-3380M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 650 vs 1,600 (84.4% advantage for the Core i5-3380M). L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3380M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9500	Core i5-3380M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	3.6 GHz+42%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	2.9 GHz+15%
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	2,938+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	340	700+106%
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	1,600+146%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-3380M 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 DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3380M — the Core i5-3380M supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3380M 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 HM77,QM77 (Core i5-3380M).

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9500	Core i5-3380M
Socket	PGA478	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1600+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 VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3380M). The Core i5-3380M 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, Core i5-3380M targets Business Laptop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P9500 rivals Athlon II X2 245e; Core i5-3380M rivals AMD A10-4600M.