CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T9300
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
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 Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is on rank 1088, 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 Athlon 64 X2 5600+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+33%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Athlon 64 X2 5600+
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.
Athlon 64 X2 5600+
The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,665 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo T9300 and Athlon 64 X2 5600+ share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 2.9 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ — a 14.8% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+. The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses Windsor (2006−2007) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the Athlon 64 X2 5600+'s 1,665 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300 vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.9 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+1100% | 512K |
| Process | 45 nm-50% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Windsor (2006−2007) |
| PassMark | 1,670 | 1,665 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 432 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ uses AM2 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ — the Core 2 Duo T9300 supports 40% 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 AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5600+).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | AM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 5600+). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x | — |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo T9300 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ debuted at $505. At current prices ($20 vs $15), the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo T9300 delivers 83.5 pts/$ vs 111.0 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ — making the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ the 28.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Athlon 64 X2 5600+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316-37% | $505 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20 | $15-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.5 | 111.0+33% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2006 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo T9300 and Athlon 64 X2 5600+
