Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Pentium G2140
Core 2 Duo SP9400
Pentium G2140
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 Pentium G2140 is on rank 775, 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 Pentium G2140
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($95) |
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 Pentium G2140
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.
Pentium G2140
The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo SP9400 and Pentium G2140 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo SP9400 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G2140. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 340 vs 550, a 47.2% lead for the Pentium G2140 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 600 vs 920 (42.1% advantage for the Pentium G2140). L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.3 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | — |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | — |
| PassMark | 2,083 | 2,092 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 340 | 550+62% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 600 | 920+53% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G2140 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Pentium G2140 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 32 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Pentium G2140 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget, Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Pentium G2140 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | GMA X4500HD | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget | Legacy Desktop |
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