Core i5-3337U vs Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core i5-3337U
Core 2 Duo SP9400
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 i5-3337U is positioned at rank 1099 and the Core 2 Duo SP9400 is on rank 631, so the Core 2 Duo SP9400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3337U
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3337U | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3337U | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ 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 i5-3337U and Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core i5-3337U
The Core i5-3337U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.
Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3337U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-3337U versus 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3337U (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-3337U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3337U scores 2,093 against the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2,083 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-3337U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400.
| Feature | Core i5-3337U | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz+13% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.4 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,093 | 2,083 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 340 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3337U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3337U versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — the Core i5-3337U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3337U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3337U) and GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400).
| Feature | Core i5-3337U | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 8 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3337U) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400). The Core i5-3337U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M; Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core i5-3337U | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | GMA X4500HD |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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