CPU
GPU
Core i5-2500T
Core 2 Duo P9500
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-2500T is positioned at rank 882 and the Core 2 Duo P9500 is on rank 354, so the Core 2 Duo P9500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500T
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P9500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500T | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500T | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2500T and Core 2 Duo P9500
Core i5-2500T
The Core i5-2500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,929 points. Launch price was $69.
Core 2 Duo P9500
The Core 2 Duo P9500 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): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,901 points. Launch price was $348.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo P9500 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-2500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2500T versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9500 — a 26.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500T (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i5-2500T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500T scores 2,929 against the Core 2 Duo P9500's 2,901 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2500T. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500T vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9500.
| Feature | Core i5-2500T | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+30% | 2.53 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 2.53 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 6 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,929 | 2,901 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 340 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 650 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-2500T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support.
| Feature | Core i5-2500T | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+300% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2500T) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo P9500). The Core i5-2500T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500T targets Desktop, Core 2 Duo P9500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo P9500 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core i5-2500T | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget |
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