Core 2 Duo SU9300 vs Phenom II X4 P920

Core 2 Duo SU9300 vs Phenom II X4 P920 Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Duo SU9300

2 / 2

1,392

0.0%

1,395

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core 2 Duo SU9300 vs Phenom II X4 P920 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 SU9300 vs Phenom II X4 P920: 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 SU9300

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,392 vs 1,395).
❌50% higher power demand at 3W vs 2W.

Phenom II X4 P920

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 3W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 P920 better than Core 2 Duo SU9300?

Yes. Phenom II X4 P920 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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, Phenom II X4 P920 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 P920 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II X4 P920 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 P920 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Phenom II X4 P920 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 SU9300 vs Phenom II X4 P920 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo SU9300

The Core 2 Duo SU9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,392 points. Launch price was $249.

Phenom II X4 P920

The Phenom II X4 P920 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,395 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SU9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 P920 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 P920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SU9300 versus 1.6 GHz on the Phenom II X4 P920 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 P920. The Core 2 Duo SU9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X4 P920 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SU9300 scores 1,392 against the Phenom II X4 P920's 1,395 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X4 P920.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SU9300	Phenom II X4 P920
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.2 GHz	1.6 GHz+33%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	—
L2 Cache	3 MB+50%	2 MB
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,392	1,395

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SU9300 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom II X4 P920 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.