Core 2 Duo T9400
VS
Core 2 Duo E4300

Core 2 Duo T9400 vs Core 2 Duo E4300

Intel

Core 2 Duo T9400

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2008
VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo E4300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2006

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 T9400 is positioned at rank 796 and the Core 2 Duo E4300 is on rank 1015, so the Core 2 Duo T9400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T9400

#784
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1198%
#785
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1180%
#786
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1084%
#787
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1079%
#788
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1069%
#790
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1032%
#791
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
990%
#792
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
988%
#793
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
962%
#796
Core 2 Duo T9400
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#797
Celeron M 900
MSRP: $86|Avg: $10
100%
#799
Celeron B815
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
99%
#801
Celeron B810
MSRP: $86|Avg: $86
99%
#803
Core i7-1365UE
MSRP: $429|Avg: $429
99%
#805
3020e
MSRP: $100|Avg: $25
98%
#809
Athlon II M320
MSRP: $75|Avg: $15
98%
#810
Celeron B800
MSRP: $80|Avg: $5
98%
#811
Celeron B710
MSRP: $86|Avg: $10
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E4300

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
35064%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
33132%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
24056%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
7247%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
5740%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
5022%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
2876%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
2839%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2585%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2584%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2556%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2487%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2452%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2442%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2420%
#1015
Core 2 Duo E4300
MSRP: $113|Avg: $5
100%
#1017
Core 2 Duo E4500
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
99%
#1019
Core 2 Duo E7600
MSRP: $133|Avg: $50
97%
#1020
Core i7-3970X
MSRP: $990|Avg: $60
97%
#1021
Core 2 Duo E8700
MSRP: $256|Avg: $30
97%
#1022
Core 2 Duo E6550
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
96%
#1023
Phenom X3 8450
MSRP: $145|Avg: $147
95%
#1024
Core i7-3960X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $60
95%
#1025
Celeron 2.70
MSRP: $49|Avg: $49
94%
#1027
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
91%
#1028
Core 2 Quad Q8200
MSRP: $224|Avg: $36
91%
#1029
A12-9800E
MSRP: $426|Avg: $150
90%
#1030
Phenom II X6 1065T
MSRP: $426|Avg: $170
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Core 2 Duo T9400 leads in gaming performance. However, the Core 2 Duo E4300 is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 0.1% greater multi-core processing power.
InsightCore 2 Duo T9400Core 2 Duo E4300
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($5)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Allendale (2006−2009) / 65 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightCore 2 Duo T9400Core 2 Duo E4300
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($5)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 T9400 and Core 2 Duo E4300

Intel

Core 2 Duo T9400

The Core 2 Duo T9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 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: 1,004 points. Launch price was $316.

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4300

The Core 2 Duo E4300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $249.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T9400 and Core 2 Duo E4300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9400 versus 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — a 33.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9400 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses Allendale (2006−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9400 scores 1,004 against the Core 2 Duo E4300's 1,005 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo E4300. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9400 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E4300.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T9400Core 2 Duo E4300
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.53 GHz+41%
1.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.53 GHz+41%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB L2 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
6 MB+200%
2 MB
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
Allendale (2006−2009)
PassMark
1,004
1,005
Geekbench 6 Single
320
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo E4300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9400 versus 800 on the Core 2 Duo E4300 — the Core 2 Duo E4300 supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9400) and P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E4300).

FeatureCore 2 Duo T9400Core 2 Duo E4300
Socket
PGA478
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
800+26567%
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9400) vs false (Core 2 Duo E4300). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9400 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core 2 Duo E4300 rivals Athlon 64 X2 3800+.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T9400Core 2 Duo E4300
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
false
Target Use
Budget