Core 2 Duo T5800 vs Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core 2 Duo T5800
Core 2 Quad Q9300
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 T5800 is positioned at rank 292 and the Core 2 Quad Q9300 is on rank 1039, so the Core 2 Duo T5800 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 T5800
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5800 | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5800 | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($27) |
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 T5800 and Core 2 Quad Q9300
Core 2 Duo T5800
The Core 2 Duo T5800 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 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,000 points. Launch price was $249.
Core 2 Quad Q9300
The Core 2 Quad Q9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,011 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T5800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5800 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5800 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5800 scores 2,000 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9300. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5800 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5800 | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 2.5 GHz+25% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.5 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 6 MB (total)+200% |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,000 | 2,011 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T5800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5800 | Core 2 Quad Q9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
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 T5800 and Core 2 Quad Q9300
