Core 2 Duo P9700 vs Sempron 3850

Core 2 Duo P9700 vs Sempron 3850 Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Duo P9700

2 / 2

1,178

+0.9%

1,168

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core 2 Duo P9700 vs Sempron 3850 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 Sempron 3850: 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

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Sempron 3850

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 28W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,168 vs 1,178).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo P9700 better than Sempron 3850?

Yes. Core 2 Duo P9700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo P9700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo P9700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo P9700 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo P9700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Sempron 3850 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo P9700 vs Sempron 3850 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.

Sempron 3850

The Sempron 3850 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,168 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Sempron 3850 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Sempron 3850 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9700 versus 1.3 GHz on the Sempron 3850 — a 73.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P9700. The Core 2 Duo P9700 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Sempron 3850 uses Kabini (2013−2014) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo P9700 scores 1,178 against the Sempron 3850's 1,168 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo P9700.

Feature	Core 2 Duo P9700	Sempron 3850
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+115%	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache	—
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+200%	2048 kB
Process	45 nm	28 nm-38%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Kabini (2013−2014)
PassMark	1,178	1,168

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Sempron 3850 uses AM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.