Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Core i3-4030Y

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 T9300 vs Core i3-4030Y 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 T9300 vs Core i3-4030Y: 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 T9300

2008

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $316 MSRP, while Core i3-4030Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-4030Y

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,654 vs 1,670).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9300 better than Core i3-4030Y?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 36 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% more average FPS across 36 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo T9300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $316 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 36 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4030Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Core i3-4030Y Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i3-4030Y

The Core i3-4030Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,654 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-4030Y's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 1.6 GHz on the Core i3-4030Y — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4030Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the Core i3-4030Y's 1,654 — a 1% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-4030Y.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9300	Core i3-4030Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB+1100%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,670	1,654
Geekbench 6 Multi	432	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-4030Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9300	Core i3-4030Y
Socket	PGA478	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300) / not specified (Core i3-4030Y). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.