Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs A8-3800
Core 2 Duo SL9600
A8-3800
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo SL9600 is positioned at rank 1177 and the A8-3800 is on rank 886, so the A8-3800 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SL9600
Performance Per Dollar A8-3800
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | A8-3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | A8-3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+689%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo SL9600 and A8-3800
Core 2 Duo SL9600
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,054 points. Launch price was $316.
A8-3800
The A8-3800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,051 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the A8-3800 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3800 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 versus 2.7 GHz on the A8-3800 — a 23.6% clock advantage for the A8-3800 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the A8-3800 uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SL9600 scores 2,054 against the A8-3800's 2,051 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo SL9600. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs 0 kB on the A8-3800.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | A8-3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz | 2.7 GHz+27% |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | 2.4 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+500% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,054 | 2,051 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 370 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,350 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the A8-3800 uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The A8-3800 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo SL9600) vs 16 (A8-3800) — the A8-3800 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GS45,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo SL9600) and A55,A75 (A8-3800).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | A8-3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 32 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core 2 Duo SL9600) vs AMD-V (A8-3800). The A8-3800 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core 2 Duo SL9600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9600 targets Mobile, A8-3800 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3800 rivals Core i3-2100.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | A8-3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon HD 6550D |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mobile | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 launched at $316 MSRP, while the A8-3800 debuted at $130.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | A8-3800 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316 | $130-59% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $40 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2011 |
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