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. The Core 2 Solo SU3500 is positioned at rank #1195 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 Solo SU3500

#1183

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

5239%

#1184

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

5163%

#1185

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

4739%

#1186

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

4718%

#1187

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

4675%

#1189

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

4514%

#1190

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

4329%

#1191

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

4321%

#1192

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

4205%

#1195

Core 2 Solo SU3500

MSRP: $262|Avg: $15

100%

#1196

Core 2 Duo E8335

MSRP: $200|Avg: $50

98%

#1199

Celeron 560

MSRP: $89|Avg: $5

95%

#1200

Core i3-2312M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#1201

Celeron 857

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

94%

#1202

Celeron 925

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

94%

#1203

Core 2 Duo E8135

MSRP: $200|Avg: $15

91%

#1204

Core 2 Duo U7700

MSRP: $262|Avg: $10

91%

#1205

Core Duo T2400

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

90%

#1206

Core 2 Duo U7600

MSRP: $250|Avg: $5

90%

#1207

Pentium M 735

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

89%

#1208

Core i7-620LM

MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A

87%

#1209

Core i7-740QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Solo SU3500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #1195 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1195
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