Core 2 Duo T9400 vs Pentium E2210

Intel

Core 2 Duo T9400

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.53 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium E2210

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WW2009
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo T9400 vs Pentium E2210 Performance Spectrum

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 Pentium E2210 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 Pentium E2210: 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

  • +6.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).
  • Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,004 vs 1,005).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium E2210.

Pentium E2210

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core 2 Duo T9400.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (300 vs 320).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $84 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E2210 better than Core 2 Duo T9400?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Duo T9400 is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium E2210 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core 2 Duo T9400 also has the bigger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium E2210 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium E2210 is the better buy right now. Pentium E2210 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $84 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core 2 Duo T9400 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium E2210 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T9400 vs Pentium E2210 Technical Specifications

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

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

Pentium E2210

The Pentium E2210 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T9400 and Pentium E2210 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo T9400 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9400 scores 1,004 against the Pentium E2210's 1,005 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium E2210. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 320 vs 300, a 6.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9400 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2210.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T9400Pentium E2210
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.53 GHz
Base Clock
2.53 GHz+15%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB L2 Cache+500%
1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
6 MB
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
1,004
1,005
Geekbench 6 Single
320+7%
300
Geekbench 6 Multi
500
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium E2210 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo T9400 versus DDR2 on the Pentium E2210 — the Core 2 Duo T9400 supports 53200% 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 Intel P35,Intel G33,Intel G31,Intel G41 (Pentium E2210).

FeatureCore 2 Duo T9400Pentium E2210
Socket
PGA478
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066+53200%
DDR2
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9400) vs false (Pentium E2210). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9400 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.

FeatureCore 2 Duo T9400Pentium E2210
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
false
Target Use
Budget