Core 2 Duo T5900 vs FirePro A320

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5900

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FirePro A320

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo T5900 vs FirePro A320 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 T5900 vs FirePro A320 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 T5900 vs FirePro A320: 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 T5900

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 100W, a 98W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FirePro A320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,123 vs 2,153).

FirePro A320

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • 4900% higher power demand at 100W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is FirePro A320 better than Core 2 Duo T5900?
Yes. FirePro A320 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% 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, FirePro A320 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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, FirePro A320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FirePro A320 still makes the most sense overall. FirePro A320 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FirePro A320 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) 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 T5900 vs FirePro A320 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo T5900

The Core 2 Duo T5900 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. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,123 points. Launch price was $249.

AMD

FirePro A320

The FirePro A320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,153 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the FirePro A320 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FirePro A320 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5900 versus 4.2 GHz on the FirePro A320 — a 62.5% clock advantage for the FirePro A320. The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the FirePro A320 uses Trinity (2012−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5900 scores 2,123 against the FirePro A320's 2,153 — a 1.4% lead for the FirePro A320.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5900FirePro A320
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.2 GHz
4.2 GHz+91%
Base Clock
3.8 GHz
L2 Cache
2 MB
4 MB (total)+100%
Process
65 nm
32 nm-51%
Architecture
Merom (2006−2008)
Trinity (2012−2013)
PassMark
2,123
2,153+1%
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the FirePro A320 uses FM2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T5900FirePro A320
Socket
P
FM2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%