CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo T9300
Core i7-2617M
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 Core i7-2617M is on rank 287, 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 Core i7-2617M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Core i7-2617M
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 i7-2617M
The Core i7-2617M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,687 points. Launch price was $100.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-2617M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-2617M — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2617M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-2617M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the Core i7-2617M's 1,687 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2617M. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2617M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.6 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+67% | 1.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+50% | 4 MB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+1100% | 512 kB |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,670 | 1,687+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 448 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 432 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-2617M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM965,PM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9300) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67,UM67 (Core i7-2617M).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2617M). The Core i7-2617M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget, Core i7-2617M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i7-2617M rivals A6-3400M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-2617M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Budget | Ultrabook |
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