Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs Pentium G3460T

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 SL9600 vs Pentium G3460T 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 SL9600 vs Pentium G3460T: 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 SL9600

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.5 vs 29.5 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $69 MSRP).

Pentium G3460T

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $247 less on MSRP ($69 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Delivers 354.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.5 vs 6.5 PassMark/$ ($69 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,036 vs 2,054).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo SL9600 better than Pentium G3460T?

Yes. Core 2 Duo SL9600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 43 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 SL9600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% more average FPS across 43 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 SL9600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% 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 SL9600 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo SL9600 comes in 358.0% more expensive on MSRP at $316 MSRP versus $69 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3460T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 354.0% better value on paper (29.5 vs 6.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Pentium G3460T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs Pentium G3460T Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G3460T

The Pentium G3460T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,036 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo SL9600 and Pentium G3460T share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo SL9600 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SL9600 scores 2,054 against the Pentium G3460T's 2,036 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo SL9600. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3460T.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9600	Pentium G3460T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.13 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	3 GHz+41%
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	2,054	2,036

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3460T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9600	Pentium G3460T
Socket	BGA956	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core 2 Duo SL9600) / not specified (Pentium G3460T). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9600 targets Mobile.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9600	Pentium G3460T
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Mobile	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo SL9600 was priced at $316, while the Pentium G3460T came in at $69. On launch pricing ($316 vs $69), Pentium G3460T was $247 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo SL9600 delivers 6.5 pts/$ vs 29.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3460T — making the Pentium G3460T the 127.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SL9600	Pentium G3460T
MSRP	$316	$69-78%
Performance per Dollar	6.5	29.5+354%
Release Date	2009	2015

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