Core 2 Duo T5800 vs Phenom II X4 805

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5800

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2 GHz2008
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 805

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······

Core 2 Duo T5800 vs Phenom II X4 805 Performance Spectrum

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 T5800 vs Phenom II X4 805 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 T5800 vs Phenom II X4 805: 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 T5800

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 95W, a 93W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,000 vs 2,001).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).

Phenom II X4 805

2009

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 4650% higher power demand at 95W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 805 better than Core 2 Duo T5800?
Yes. Phenom II X4 805 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 805 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Phenom II X4 805 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X4 805 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 805 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X4 805 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008), 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB), 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 T5800 vs Phenom II X4 805 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Phenom II X4 805

The Phenom II X4 805 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 9 February 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,001 points. Launch price was $174.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 805 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 805 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5800 versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom II X4 805 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 805 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5800 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5800 scores 2,000 against the Phenom II X4 805's 2,001 — a 0% lead for the Phenom II X4 805. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5800 vs 4 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 805.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5800Phenom II X4 805
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
4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
2 MB+300%
512 kB (per core)
Process
65 nm
45 nm-31%
Architecture
Merom (2006−2008)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,000
2,001
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5800Phenom II X4 805
Socket
PGA478
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%