Core 2 Duo T5500 vs Core 2 Duo T9300

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 T5500 vs Core 2 Duo T9300 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 T5500 vs Core 2 Duo T9300: 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 T5500

2007

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 6W, a 4W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,660 vs 1,670).

Core 2 Duo T9300

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $316 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5500 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌200% higher power demand at 6W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9300 better than Core 2 Duo T5500?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 2 Duo T9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 2 Duo T9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo T9300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $316 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2 Duo T9300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 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 T5500 vs Core 2 Duo T9300 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5500

The Core 2 Duo T5500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 1.66 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Duo T9300

The Core 2 Duo T9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,670 points. Launch price was $316.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T5500 and Core 2 Duo T9300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5500 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 — a 40.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9300 (base: 1.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5500 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5500 scores 1,660 against the Core 2 Duo T9300's 1,670 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T5500 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5500	Core 2 Duo T9300
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.66 GHz	2.5 GHz+51%
Base Clock	1.66 GHz	2.5 GHz+51%
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB	6 MB+200%
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,660	1,670
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	432

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA478 socket with PCIe 1.1.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5500	Core 2 Duo T9300
Socket	PGA478	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5500) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.