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 SP9600 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 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,836 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 SP9600

#324

Pentium 2020M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

118%

#325

Athlon II N350

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

116%

#326

Pentium 2030M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

116%

#327

Celeron N3350

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

116%

#328

Core i7-2675QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

115%

#329

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

114%

#330

Core i5-2520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

111%

#331

Core m3-7Y32

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

107%

#332

Core i3-1115GRE

MSRP: $338|Avg: $480

107%

#333

Core i7-2630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

105%

#334

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

105%

#335

Core i7-2635QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

104%

#336

Core i5-3337U

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

104%

#337

Core i5-2450M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

103%

#338

Core i5-7Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

103%

#339

Core 2 Duo SP9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

100%

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

100%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

99%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

97%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

93%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

92%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

92%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

91%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

89%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

87%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

87%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

86%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

86%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 2 Duo SP9600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 2 Duo SP9600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SP9600 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 2.53 GHz from a base frequency of 2.53 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 2,836, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SP9600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.53 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.53 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	2,836

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SP9600 fits into the BGA479 socket and supports PCIe 1.1.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SP9600
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core 2 Duo
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA479
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 2 Duo SP9600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SP9600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	25 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $316, the Core 2 Duo SP9600 delivers 9 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2992 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 2 Duo SP9600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$316
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$316
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2992
Release DateLaunch date	1 March 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel