Core 2 Duo SP9600 vs Core i7-920
Core 2 Duo SP9600
Core i7-920
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 SP9600 is positioned at rank 138 and the Core i7-920 is on rank 997, so the Core 2 Duo SP9600 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 SP9600
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-920
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9600 | Core i7-920 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) | ✅ More affordable ($79) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9600 | Core i7-920 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+304%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($316) | ✅ More affordable ($79) |
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 SP9600 and Core i7-920
Core 2 Duo SP9600
The Core 2 Duo SP9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,836 points. Launch price was $316.
Core i7-920
The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SP9600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-920 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9600 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 — a 14.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-920 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9600 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-920 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9600 scores 2,836 against the Core i7-920's 2,866 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-920. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9600 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9600 | Core i7-920 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.53 GHz | 2.93 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | 2.66 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,836 | 2,866+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9600 uses the BGA479 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-920 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9600 | Core i7-920 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA479 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo SP9600 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Core i7-920 debuted at $284.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9600 | Core i7-920 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316 | $284-10% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $79 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2008 |
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