CPU
GPU
Core i7-2617M
Core 2 Duo T9300
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 i7-2617M is positioned at rank 287 and the Core 2 Duo T9300 is on rank 176, so the Core 2 Duo T9300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2617M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2617M | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2617M | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 i7-2617M and Core 2 Duo T9300
Core i7-2617M
The Core i7-2617M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,687 points. Launch price was $100.
Core 2 Duo T9300
The Core 2 Duo T9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,670 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2617M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T9300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-2617M versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9300 — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2617M (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-2617M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2617M scores 1,687 against the Core 2 Duo T9300's 1,670 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2617M. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2617M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9300.
| Feature | Core i7-2617M | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz+4% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.5 GHz | 2.5 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 6 MB L2 Cache+50% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 6 MB+1100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,687+1% | 1,670 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 448 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 432 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2617M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67,UM67 (Core i7-2617M) and GM965,PM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9300).
| Feature | Core i7-2617M | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2617M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9300). The Core i7-2617M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Duo T9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2617M targets Ultrabook, Core 2 Duo T9300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2617M rivals A6-3400M; Core 2 Duo T9300 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | Core i7-2617M | Core 2 Duo T9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Ultrabook | Budget |
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