Core 2 Duo T9800 vs Pentium E5800

Intel

Core 2 Duo T9800

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.92 GHz2009
VS
Intel

Pentium E5800

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010

Core 2 Duo T9800 vs Pentium E5800 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 T9800 vs Pentium E5800 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 E5800: 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

  • βœ…Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,189 vs 1,190).

Pentium E5800

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T9800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • ❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium E5800 better than Core 2 Duo T9800?
    Yes. Pentium E5800 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Pentium E5800 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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, Pentium E5800 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 E5800 is the better buy right now. Pentium E5800 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E5800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) 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 T9800 vs Pentium E5800 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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 (2008βˆ’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.

    Intel

    Pentium E5800

    The Pentium E5800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 November 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008βˆ’2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,190 points. Launch price was $68.

    ⚑

    Processing Power

    Both the Core 2 Duo T9800 and Pentium E5800 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.92 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9800 versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium E5800 β€” a 9.2% clock advantage for the Pentium E5800 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T9800 uses the Penryn (2008βˆ’2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium E5800 uses Wolfdale (2008βˆ’2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T9800 scores 1,189 against the Pentium E5800's 1,190 β€” a 0.1% lead for the Pentium E5800. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9800 vs 0 kB on the Pentium E5800.

    FeatureCore 2 Duo T9800Pentium E5800
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.92 GHz
    3.2 GHz+10%
    Base Clock
    2.93 GHz
    3.2 GHz+9%
    L3 Cache
    6 MB L2 Cache
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    6 MB+200%
    2 MB (total)
    Process
    45 nm
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Penryn (2008βˆ’2011)
    Wolfdale (2008βˆ’2010)
    PassMark
    1,189
    1,190
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core 2 Duo T9800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium E5800 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore 2 Duo T9800Pentium E5800
    Socket
    PGA478
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 1.1