Core 2 Duo SP9300 vs Core i5-2390T

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 SP9300 vs Core i5-2390T 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 SP9300 vs Core i5-2390T: 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 SP9300

2008

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2390T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core 2 Duo SP9300 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo SP9300.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,491 vs 2,517).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo SP9300 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2390T better than Core 2 Duo SP9300?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2390T is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SP9300 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark. Core 2 Duo SP9300 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SP9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% 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 i5-2390T is the better buy right now. Core i5-2390T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $182 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo SP9300 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-2390T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo SP9300 vs Core i5-2390T Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SP9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2390T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T — a 43.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-2390T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9300 scores 2,517 against the Core i5-2390T's 2,491 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2390T.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9300	Core i5-2390T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.26 GHz	3.5 GHz+55%
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	2.7 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB+2300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,517+1%	2,491
Geekbench 6 Single	—	614

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SP9300 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-2390T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2390T — the Core i5-2390T supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2390T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo SP9300) vs 16 (Core i5-2390T) — the Core i5-2390T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9300) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2390T).

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9300	Core i5-2390T
Socket	BGA956	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9300) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T). The Core i5-2390T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Duo SP9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.