Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Phenom X4 9350e

Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Phenom X4 9350e Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Duo T9300

2 / 2

1,670

+0.7%

1,659

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Phenom X4 9350e 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 Phenom X4 9350e: 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

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $316 MSRP, while Phenom X4 9350e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom X4 9350e

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,659 vs 1,670).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9300 better than Phenom X4 9350e?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% 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 2.7% more average FPS across 50 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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 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 $316 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Phenom X4 9350e is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core 2 Duo T9300 vs Phenom X4 9350e 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.

Phenom X4 9350e

The Phenom X4 9350e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,659 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T9300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9350e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9350e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 versus 2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9350e — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9300. The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom X4 9350e uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9300 scores 1,670 against the Phenom X4 9350e's 1,659 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9350e.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9300	Phenom X4 9350e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+200%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB+1100%	512 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,670	1,659
Geekbench 6 Multi	432	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom X4 9350e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9300	Phenom X4 9350e
Socket	PGA478	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
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 (Phenom X4 9350e). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.