Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs Xeon E5420
Core 2 Duo SL9600
Xeon E5420
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 Xeon E5420 is on rank 1033, so the Xeon E5420 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 Xeon E5420
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | Xeon E5420 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($316) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,500) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | Xeon E5420 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1967%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($316) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($6,500) |
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 Xeon E5420
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.
Xeon E5420
The Xeon E5420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,044 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5420 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5420 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon E5420 — a 16% clock advantage for the Xeon E5420 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5420 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SL9600 scores 2,054 against the Xeon E5420's 2,044 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo SL9600. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5420.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | Xeon E5420 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz | 2.5 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | 2.5 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 12 MB L2 Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 6 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Harpertown (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,054 | 2,044 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 314 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 881 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon E5420 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SL9600 versus DDR2-667 on the Xeon E5420 — the Core 2 Duo SL9600 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5420 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core 2 Duo SL9600) vs 4 (Xeon E5420). PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo SL9600) vs 32 (Xeon E5420) — the Xeon E5420 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GS45,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo SL9600) and Intel 5000P,Intel 5100,Intel 5400 (Xeon E5420).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | Xeon E5420 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | LGA771 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 32 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 32 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core 2 Duo SL9600) vs Yes (Xeon E5420). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9600 targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | Xeon E5420 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo SL9600 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Xeon E5420 debuted at $7214.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9600 | Xeon E5420 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316-96% | $7214 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $6500 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2007 |
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