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. 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

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

114%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

113%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

111%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

109%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

108%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

108%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

106%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

104%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

104%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

104%

#370

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

104%

#371

Core M-5Y70

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

104%

#372

Core i7-4510U

MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A

103%

#373

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

103%

#374

Core i7-2637M

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

101%

#375

Core 2 Duo SL9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

100%

#376

Core 2 Duo T5600

MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A

100%

#377

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

99%

#378

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

96%

#379

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#380

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

92%

#381

Pentium U5400

MSRP: $289|Avg: $214

92%

#382

Core Solo T1350

MSRP: $200|Avg: $70

89%

#383

Atom N475

MSRP: $75|Avg: N/A

83%

#384

Core i3-2312M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

81%

#385

Celeron 925

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

81%

#386

Core 2 Duo SU7300

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

80%

#387

Core Duo T2400

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

78%

#388

Pentium M 735

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

76%

#389

Core i7-620LM

MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A

75%

#390

Core i7-740QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

75%

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. 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
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

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	$316
Release Date	1 March 2009 (16 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Penryn (2008−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	3190

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	2.13 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.13 GHz
Transistor Count	410 Million
Process Technology	45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	1.05V-1.15V
Max Core Temperature	105 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-