CPU
GPU
Phenom X4 9550
Core 2 Duo T5500
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 X4 9550 is positioned at rank 382 and the Core 2 Duo T5500 is on rank 386, so the Phenom X4 9550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X4 9550
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T5500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X4 9550 | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X4 9550 | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Phenom X4 9550 and Core 2 Duo T5500
Phenom X4 9550
The Phenom X4 9550 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,667 points. Launch price was $149.
Core 2 Duo T5500
The Core 2 Duo T5500 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. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 1.66 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,660 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Phenom X4 9550 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T5500 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Phenom X4 9550 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9550 versus 1.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5500 — a 28% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9550. The Phenom X4 9550 uses the Agena (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5500 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X4 9550 scores 1,667 against the Core 2 Duo T5500's 1,660 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom X4 9550. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9550 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T5500.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9550 | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz+33% | 1.66 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 1.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 2 MB+300% |
| Process | 65 nm | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Agena (2007−2008) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,667 | 1,660 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X4 9550 uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5500 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9550 | Core 2 Duo T5500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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