Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core 2 Duo T5870

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 SP9400 vs Core 2 Duo T5870 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 SP9400 vs Core 2 Duo T5870: 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 SP9400

2008

Why buy it

✅+67.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌200% higher power demand at 6W vs 2W.

Core 2 Duo T5870

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 6W, a 4W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (203 vs 340).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (314 vs 600).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo SP9400 better than Core 2 Duo T5870?

Yes. Core 2 Duo SP9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 91.1% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo SP9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo SP9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 91.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo SP9400 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo SP9400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core 2 Duo SP9400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core 2 Duo T5870 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core 2 Duo T5870

The Core 2 Duo T5870 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. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,089 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo SP9400 and Core 2 Duo T5870 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5870 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo SP9400 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5870 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Core 2 Duo T5870's 2,089 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5870. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 340 vs 203, a 50.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 600 vs 314 (62.6% advantage for the Core 2 Duo SP9400). L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5870.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9400	Core 2 Duo T5870
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+200%	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB+200%	2 MB
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark	2,083	2,089
Geekbench 6 Single	340+67%	203
Geekbench 6 Multi	600+91%	314

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T5870 — the Core 2 Duo SP9400 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo SP9400 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and GM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T5870).

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9400	Core 2 Duo T5870
Socket	BGA956	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066+33%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB+100%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget, Core 2 Duo T5870 targets Legacy Mobile. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.