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Overview

The Core 2 Duo T9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,087 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 T9600 is positioned at rank #841 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 T9600

#829

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1350%

#830

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1330%

#831

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1221%

#832

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1215%

#833

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1204%

#835

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1163%

#836

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1115%

#837

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1113%

#838

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1083%

#841

Core 2 Duo T9600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#852

Pentium P6300

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

97%

#854

E-350

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

97%

#856

Ryzen Embedded R1305G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $50

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo T9600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo T9600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T9600 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 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 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. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,087, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T9600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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
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-1.2125V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,087

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T9600 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T9600
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo T9600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T9600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #841 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3019 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo T9600
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$316
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#841
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3019
Release DateLaunch date	15 July 2008 (17 years ago)
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel