CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T9300
A6-7400K
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 T9300 is positioned at rank 176 and the A6-7400K is on rank 869, so the Core 2 Duo T9300 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 T9300
Performance Per Dollar A6-7400K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+114%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($43) |
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 T9300 and A6-7400K
Core 2 Duo T9300
The Core 2 Duo T9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,670 points. Launch price was $316.
A6-7400K
The A6-7400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,678 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo T9300 and A6-7400K share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 3.9 GHz on the A6-7400K — a 43.7% clock advantage for the A6-7400K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the A6-7400K uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the A6-7400K's 1,678 — a 0.5% lead for the A6-7400K.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+56% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | — |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+500% | 1024 kB |
| Process | 45 nm | 28 nm-38% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,670 | 1,678 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 432 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the A6-7400K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 1866 on the A6-7400K — the A6-7400K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9300) and FM2+ (A6-7400K).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-7400K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300) vs true (A6-7400K). The A6-7400K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 Graphics), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; A6-7400K rivals Pentium G3420.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon R5 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo T9300 launched at $316 MSRP, while the A6-7400K debuted at $101. At current prices ($20 vs $43), the Core 2 Duo T9300 is $23 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo T9300 delivers 83.5 pts/$ vs 39.0 pts/$ for the A6-7400K — making the Core 2 Duo T9300 the 72.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | A6-7400K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316 | $101-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-53% | $43 |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.5+114% | 39.0 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2014 |
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