Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core i5-3337U

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 i5-3337U 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 i5-3337U: 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

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,083 vs 2,093).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3337U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3337U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core 2 Duo SP9400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo SP9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3337U better than Core 2 Duo SP9400?

Yes. Core i5-3337U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, 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 i5-3337U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 i5-3337U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3337U is the better buy right now. Core i5-3337U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3337U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 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 i5-3337U 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 i5-3337U

The Core i5-3337U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SP9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3337U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-3337U — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3337U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3337U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Core i5-3337U's 2,093 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3337U. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9400	Core i5-3337U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+13%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+33%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,083	2,093
Geekbench 6 Single	340	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-3337U uses BGA1023 (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 Core i5-3337U — the Core i5-3337U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3337U 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. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3337U).

Feature	Core 2 Duo SP9400	Core i5-3337U
Socket	BGA956	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400) vs true (Core i5-3337U). The Core i5-3337U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), 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; Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M.