Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Core i7-720QM
Core 2 Duo T9300
Core i7-720QM
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 i7-720QM is on rank 1218, 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 i7-720QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1733%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($364) |
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 i7-720QM
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 i7-720QM
The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo T9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-720QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-720QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 11.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+56% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,670 | 1,658 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 432 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the Core i7-720QM supports 199.1% 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 PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300) vs true (Core i7-720QM). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo T9300 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Core i7-720QM debuted at $364.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T9300 | Core i7-720QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316-13% | $364 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20 | — |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2009 |
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