Core 2 Duo T5870 vs Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core 2 Duo T5870
Core 2 Duo SP9400
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 T5870 is positioned at rank 538 and the Core 2 Duo SP9400 is on rank 631, so the Core 2 Duo T5870 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 T5870
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 T5870 and Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core 2 Duo T5870
The Core 2 Duo T5870 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. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,089 points. Launch price was $249.
Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo T5870 and Core 2 Duo SP9400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5870 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo SP9400 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5870 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5870 scores 2,089 against the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2,083 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5870. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 203 vs 340, a 50.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 314 vs 600 (62.6% advantage for the Core 2 Duo SP9400). L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5870 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 2.4 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.4 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+200% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 6 MB+200% |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,089 | 2,083 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 203 | 340+67% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 314 | 600+91% |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T5870 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — the Core 2 Duo SP9400 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo SP9400 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T5870) and GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR3-1066+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB | 8 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T5870 targets Legacy Mobile, Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | GMA X4500HD |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Legacy Mobile | Budget |
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