Core 2 Duo T6570 vs Phenom II X4 925

Intel

Core 2 Duo T6570

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 925

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo T6570 vs Phenom II X4 925 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 T6570 vs Phenom II X4 925 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 T6570 vs Phenom II X4 925: 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 T6570

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 2W instead of 95W, a 93W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).

Phenom II X4 925

2009

Why buy it

  • +200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,261 vs 2,274).
  • 4650% higher power demand at 95W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T6570 better than Phenom II X4 925?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom II X4 925 is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6570 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Phenom II X4 925 also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T6570 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 T6570 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T6570 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X4 925 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core 2 Duo T6570 vs Phenom II X4 925 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo T6570

The Core 2 Duo T6570 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,274 points. Launch price was $249.

AMD

Phenom II X4 925

The Phenom II X4 925 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 2,261 points. Launch price was $160.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T6570 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 925 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 925 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T6570 versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 925 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 925 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T6570 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X4 925 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T6570 scores 2,274 against the Phenom II X4 925's 2,261 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 2 Duo T6570. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Core 2 Duo T6570 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 925.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T6570Phenom II X4 925
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.1 GHz
2.8 GHz+33%
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.8 GHz+33%
L3 Cache
2 MB
6 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
2 MB+300%
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,274
2,261
Geekbench 6 Single
246
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T6570 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom II X4 925 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T6570Phenom II X4 925
Socket
PGA478
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T6570) / not specified (Phenom II X4 925). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T6570 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T6570 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T6570Phenom II X4 925
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget