Core 2 Duo SU9400
CPU·Budget

Core 2 Duo SU9400

Intel

PassMark

1,596

20 August 2008 (17 years ago)
10 Watt
Penryn (2008−2011)

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.

Overview

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,596 points. Launch price was $262.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo SU9400 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra36 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium35 FPS
high26 FPS
ultra18 FPS
Delta Force

Delta Force

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Garry's Mod

Garry's Mod

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra35 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra32 FPS
Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
Starfield

Starfield

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra39 FPS
Terraria

Terraria

1080p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
1440p
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low40 FPS
medium40 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra40 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo SU9400 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 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 1.4 GHz from a base frequency of 1.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB L2 Cache of L3 cache, plus 3 MB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,596, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo SU9400
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designPenryn (2008−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB L2 Cache
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data3 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor107 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities410 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency800 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)105 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range1.05V-1.15V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,596
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 fits into the BGA956 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo SU9400
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core 2 Duo
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA956
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 10 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo SU9400
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload10 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)105 °C
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #3369 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 2 Duo SU9400
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$262
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3369
Release DateLaunch date20 August 2008 (17 years ago)
Release Year2008
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

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core 2 Duo
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$262
Release Date20 August 2008 (17 years ago)
Architecture CodenamePenryn (2008−2011)
Performance Ranking Position3369

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores2
Threads2
Die Size107 mm2
L1 Cache128 kB
L2 Cache3 MB
L3 Cache3 MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed800 MHz
Max Frequency1.4 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency1.4 GHz
Transistor Count410 Million
Process Technology45 nm
Allowed Core Voltage1.05V-1.15V
Max Core Temperature105 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

3 specs

SocketBGA956
PCIe GenerationPCIe 1.1
Power Consumption (TDP)10 Watt

Our Recommendation for Core 2 Duo SU9400

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core 2 Duo SU9400

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