
Core 2 Solo SU3500
Intel
PassMark
1,468
MSRP
$262
AVG Price
$15
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 Solo SU3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 5.5 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,468 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Solo SU3500
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core 2 Solo SU3500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

Delta Force

Elden Ring

Fortnite

Grand Theft Auto V

League of Legends

Left 4 Dead 2

Overwatch 2

Palworld

Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Solo SU3500 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Solo SU3500 is a 1-core / 1-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 1.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 3 MB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,468, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 1C / 1T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 1.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 3 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 3 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 107 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 410 Million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 800 MHz |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 1.05V-1.15V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,468 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Solo SU3500 fits into the BGA956 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.
| Specification | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core 2 Solo |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | BGA956 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core 2 Solo SU3500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 5.5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 5.5 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $262), the Core 2 Solo SU3500 delivers 98 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3568 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $262 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $262 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3568 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 April 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
General Information
7 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core 2 Solo |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $262 |
| Release Date | 1 April 2009 (16 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3568 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 1 |
| Threads | 1 |
| Die Size | 107 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB |
| Bus Speed | 800 MHz |
| Max Frequency | 1.4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 1.3 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 410 Million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 1.05V-1.15V |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
3 specs
Compatibility
3 specs
| Socket | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 5.5 Watt |
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