Core 2 Duo T9400 vs E2-3000

Core 2 Duo T9400 vs E2-3000 Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Duo T9400

2 / 2

1,004

+1.4%

990

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

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 T9400 vs E2-3000 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 T9400 vs E2-3000: 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 T9400

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 15W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

E2-3000

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (990 vs 1,004).
❌150% higher power demand at 15W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9400 better than E2-3000?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% 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 T9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 T9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T9400 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T9400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

E2-3000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T9400 vs E2-3000 Technical Specifications

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

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.

E2-3000

The E2-3000 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.65 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 990 points. Launch price was $50.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T9400 and E2-3000 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9400 versus 1.65 GHz on the E2-3000 — a 42.1% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9400. The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the E2-3000 uses Kabini (2013−2014) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9400 scores 1,004 against the E2-3000's 990 — a 1.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9400. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9400 vs 0 kB on the E2-3000.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9400	E2-3000
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz+53%	1.65 GHz
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache	0 kB
L2 Cache	6 MB+500%	1024 kB
Process	45 nm	28 nm-38%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Kabini (2013−2014)
PassMark	1,004+1%	990
Geekbench 6 Single	320	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the E2-3000 uses FT3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9400	E2-3000
Socket	PGA478	FT3
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 T9400) / not specified (E2-3000). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9400 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.