Core 2 Duo SU9400 vs Phenom X4 9600
Core 2 Duo SU9400
Phenom X4 9600
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 SU9400 is positioned at rank 409 and the Phenom X4 9600 is on rank 397, so the Phenom X4 9600 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 SU9400
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SU9400 | Phenom X4 9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SU9400 | Phenom X4 9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 SU9400 and Phenom X4 9600
Core 2 Duo SU9400
The Core 2 Duo SU9400 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 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 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: 1,596 points. Launch price was $262.
Phenom X4 9600
The Phenom X4 9600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,607 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SU9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9600 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SU9400 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600 — a 48.6% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9600. The Core 2 Duo SU9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom X4 9600 uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SU9400 scores 1,596 against the Phenom X4 9600's 1,607 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom X4 9600. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SU9400 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SU9400 | Phenom X4 9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.4 GHz | 2.3 GHz+64% |
| Base Clock | 1.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB L2 Cache+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+500% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,596 | 1,607 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SU9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom X4 9600 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SU9400 | Phenom X4 9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo SU9400 and Phenom X4 9600
