CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo SP7500
Phenom X4 9650
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 SP7500 is positioned at rank 85 and the Phenom X4 9650 is on rank 362, so the Core 2 Duo SP7500 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 SP7500
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9650
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP7500 | Phenom X4 9650 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP7500 | Phenom X4 9650 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 SP7500 and Phenom X4 9650
Core 2 Duo SP7500
The Core 2 Duo SP7500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,766 points. Launch price was $249.
Phenom X4 9650
The Phenom X4 9650 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,777 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SP7500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9650 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP7500 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9650 — a 35.9% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9650. The Core 2 Duo SP7500 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Phenom X4 9650 uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP7500 scores 1,766 against the Phenom X4 9650's 1,777 — a 0.6% lead for the Phenom X4 9650.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP7500 | Phenom X4 9650 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.6 GHz | 2.3 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | — | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+700% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,766 | 1,777 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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