Core i5-3360M vs Core 2 Duo P9500
Core i5-3360M
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 i5-3360M is positioned at rank 183 and the Core 2 Duo P9500 is on rank 354, so the Core i5-3360M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3360M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo P9500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3360M | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3360M | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i5-3360M and Core 2 Duo P9500
Core i5-3360M
The Core i5-3360M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,892 points. Launch price was $266.
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 i5-3360M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo P9500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3360M versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9500 — a 32.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3360M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i5-3360M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3360M scores 2,892 against the Core 2 Duo P9500's 2,901 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo P9500. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3360M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo P9500.
| Feature | Core i5-3360M | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz+38% | 2.53 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+11% | 2.53 GHz |
| 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 | 2,892 | 2,901 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 340 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 650 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3360M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3360M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo P9500 — the Core i5-3360M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3360M 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: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3360M) and PM45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo P9500).
| Feature | Core i5-3360M | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA478 |
| 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 i5-3360M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo P9500). The Core i5-3360M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo P9500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo P9500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-3360M rivals AMD A10-4600M; Core 2 Duo P9500 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core i5-3360M | Core 2 Duo P9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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