Core 2 Duo T9550 vs Core i3-4000M

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 T9550 vs Core i3-4000M 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 T9550 vs Core i3-4000M: 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 T9550

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-4000M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,797 vs 1,804).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9550 better than Core i3-4000M?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% 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 T9550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 T9550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo T9550 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T9550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-4000M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo T9550 vs Core i3-4000M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T9550

The Core 2 Duo T9550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 1,804 points. Launch price was $316.

Core i3-4000M

The Core i3-4000M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,797 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T9550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-4000M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9550 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4000M — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9550 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9550 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4000M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9550 scores 1,804 against the Core i3-4000M's 1,797 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9550. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9550 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4000M.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9550	Core i3-4000M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.66 GHz+11%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+11%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB	256K (per core)+4167%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,804	1,797

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9550 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-4000M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.