Core 2 Duo SP9300 vs Core 2 Duo P8400
Core 2 Duo SP9300
Core 2 Duo P8400
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 SP9300 is positioned at rank 535 and the Core 2 Duo P8400 is on rank 33, so the Core 2 Duo P8400 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 SP9300
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9300 | Core 2 Duo P8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9300 | Core 2 Duo P8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) |
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 SP9300 and Core 2 Duo P8400
Core 2 Duo SP9300
The Core 2 Duo SP9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,517 points. Launch price was $284.
Core 2 Duo P8400
The Core 2 Duo P8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,497 points. Launch price was $209.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo SP9300 and Core 2 Duo P8400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 versus 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P8400 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). Both are built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9300 scores 2,517 against the Core 2 Duo P8400's 2,497 — a 0.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 vs 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P8400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9300 | Core 2 Duo P8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.26 GHz | 2.26 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz | 2.26 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% | 3 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+100% | 3 MB |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,517 | 2,497 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9300 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo P8400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 versus 1066 on the Core 2 Duo P8400 — the Core 2 Duo P8400 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9300) and GM45,GS45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo P8400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9300 | Core 2 Duo P8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+104857500% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9300) vs true (Core 2 Duo P8400). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P8400 rivals Turion II Ultra M600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9300 | Core 2 Duo P8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
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