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 SL9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,054 points. Launch price was $316.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 2 Duo SL9600 is positioned at rank #1177 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

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

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SL9600

#1165

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

4514%

#1166

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

4448%

#1167

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

4083%

#1168

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

4065%

#1169

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

4027%

#1171

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3889%

#1172

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3729%

#1173

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3723%

#1174

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3623%

#1177

Core 2 Duo SL9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

100%

#1178

Athlon PRO 3045B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $180

100%

#1179

Core 2 Duo T5600

MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A

100%

#1180

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

99%

#1181

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

99%

#1183

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

96%

#1185

Athlon Neo X2 L325

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

95%

#1186

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#1187

Core i3-3217UE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

93%

#1188

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

93%

#1189

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

92%

#1190

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo SL9600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo SL9600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SL9600 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 2.13 GHz from a base frequency of 2.13 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 2,054, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SL9600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.13 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.13 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-1.15V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,054

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SL9600 fits into the BGA956 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SL9600
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core 2 Duo
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA956
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	GS45,GM45,PM45

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core 2 Duo SL9600 is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core 2 Duo SL9600
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo SL9600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SL9600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $316, the Core 2 Duo SL9600 delivers 7 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1177 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3190 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SL9600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$316
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$316
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1177
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3190
Release DateLaunch date	1 March 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel