Core 2 Duo T9800 vs Pentium A1018

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 T9800 vs Pentium A1018 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 T9800 vs Pentium A1018: 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 T9800

2009

Why buy it

✅+500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Pentium A1018

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,188 vs 1,189).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T9800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9800 better than Pentium A1018?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% 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 T9800 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 T9800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo T9800 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo T9800 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $132 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium A1018 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Pentium A1018 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 T9800 vs Pentium A1018 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T9800

The Core 2 Duo T9800 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 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 2.92 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: 1,189 points. Launch price was $530.

Pentium A1018

The Pentium A1018 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,188 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo T9800 and Pentium A1018 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo T9800 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9800 scores 1,189 against the Pentium A1018's 1,188 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9800. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9800 vs 1 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium A1018.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T9800	Pentium A1018
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.92 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.93 GHz+40%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+500%	1 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	1,189	1,188

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium A1018 uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.