Core 2 Duo P9700 vs Pentium A1018

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 P9700 vs Pentium A1018 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 P9700 vs Pentium A1018: 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 P9700

2009

Why buy it

✅+500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 35W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium A1018 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,178 vs 1,188).

Pentium A1018

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P9700 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌25% higher power demand at 35W vs 28W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium A1018 better than Core 2 Duo P9700?

Yes. Pentium A1018 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% 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, Pentium A1018 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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, Pentium A1018 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium A1018 is the better buy right now. Pentium A1018 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium A1018 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 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 P9700 vs Pentium A1018 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo P9700

The Core 2 Duo P9700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,178 points. Launch price was $348.

Pentium A1018

The Pentium A1018 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,188 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo P9700 and Pentium A1018 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo P9700 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9700 scores 1,178 against the Pentium A1018's 1,188 — a 0.8% lead for the Pentium A1018. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9700 vs 1 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium A1018.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9700	Pentium A1018
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+33%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+500%	1 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	1,178	1,188

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium A1018 uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.