Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 3015Ce
Core 2 Duo SP9400
3015Ce
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 SP9400 is positioned at rank 631 and the 3015Ce is on rank 999, so the Core 2 Duo SP9400 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 SP9400
Performance Per Dollar 3015Ce
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | 3015Ce |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Pollock (Zen) (2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | 3015Ce |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
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 SP9400 and 3015Ce
Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.
3015Ce
The 3015Ce is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,099 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the 3015Ce's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 2.3 GHz on the 3015Ce — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo SP9400 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the 3015Ce uses Pollock (Zen) (2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the 3015Ce's 2,099 — a 0.8% lead for the 3015Ce. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 4 MB on the 3015Ce.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | 3015Ce |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz+4% | 2.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+100% | 1.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+50% | 4 MB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+500% | 1 MB |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Pollock (Zen) (2020) |
| PassMark | 2,083 | 2,099 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 340 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the 3015Ce uses FT5 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 1600 on the 3015Ce — the 3015Ce supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The 3015Ce supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) vs 1 (3015Ce). Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and FP5 (3015Ce).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | 3015Ce |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | FT5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 8 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400) vs true (3015Ce). The 3015Ce includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics (2-Core)), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e; 3015Ce rivals Celeron N4020.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | 3015Ce |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | GMA X4500HD | Radeon Graphics (2-Core) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
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