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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo P9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 1,093 points. Launch price was $348.

Value Upgrade Path

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MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo P9600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo P9600 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo P9600 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.66 GHz from a base frequency of 2.66 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache, plus 6 MB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,093, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo P9600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.66 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.66 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Penryn (2008−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	6 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	107 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	410 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1066 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	1.05V-1.212V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,093

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo P9600 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

Specification	Core 2 Duo P9600
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core 2 Duo
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1

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Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo P9600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Duo P9600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	25 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #3012 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo P9600
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$348
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3012
Release DateLaunch date	1 January 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

3 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core 2 Duo
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$348
Release Date	1 January 2009 (16 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Penryn (2008−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	3012

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	107 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	6 MB
L3 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed	1066 MHz
Max Frequency	2.66 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.66 GHz
Transistor Count	410 Million
Process Technology	45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	1.05V-1.212V
Max Core Temperature	105 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-