CPU
GPU
Phenom II X4 820
Core 2 Duo T5900
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 Phenom II X4 820 is positioned at rank 916 and the Core 2 Duo T5900 is on rank 19, so the Core 2 Duo T5900 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom II X4 820
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X4 820 | Core 2 Duo T5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($5) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Deneb (2009−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X4 820 | Core 2 Duo T5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+904%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($5) |
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 Phenom II X4 820 and Core 2 Duo T5900
Phenom II X4 820
The Phenom II X4 820 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,114 points. Launch price was $90.
Core 2 Duo T5900
The Core 2 Duo T5900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,123 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Phenom II X4 820 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T5900 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Phenom II X4 820 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 820 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5900 — a 24% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 820. The Phenom II X4 820 uses the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5900 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 820 scores 2,114 against the Core 2 Duo T5900's 2,123 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5900.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 820 | Core 2 Duo T5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+27% | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Deneb (2009−2011) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 2,114 | 2,123 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X4 820 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5900 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 820 | Core 2 Duo T5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | P |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
Value Analysis
At current prices ($50 vs $5), the Core 2 Duo T5900 is $45 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom II X4 820 delivers 42.3 pts/$ vs 424.6 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo T5900 — making the Core 2 Duo T5900 the 163.8% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 820 | Core 2 Duo T5900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $5-90% |
| Performance per Dollar | 42.3 | 424.6+904% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2008 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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