INTEL

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

2
Cores
2
Threads
GHz Boost
35W
TDP
🖥️Integrated GPU

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 Specifications

⚙️

Core 2 Duo T9400 Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 features 2 physical cores and 2 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
2
Threads
2
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

2 Duo T9400 Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core 2 Duo T9400 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core 2 Duo T9400 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.53 GHz
Boost Clock
N/A
Multiplier
9.5x
💾

Intel's Core 2 Duo T9400 Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the 2 Duo T9400 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core 2 Duo T9400's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
6 MB (shared)
🏗️

Core 2 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 is built on Intel's 45 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in 2 Duo T9400 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Core 2
Codename
Penryn
Process Node
45 nm
Foundry
Intel
Transistors
410 million
Die Size
107 mm²
Generation
Core 2 Duo (Penryn)
🔢

Core 2 Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core 2 Duo T9400 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
Intel 64
VT-x
🔌

2 Duo T9400 Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
35W
Tj Max
105°C
🔧

Intel Socket P Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the Intel Socket P socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket P
Chipsets
GS45, GM45, PM45
Package
µFC-PGA8
DDR5

Intel Socket P Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the 2 Duo T9400 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core 2 Duo T9400 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR2, DDR3
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
🖥️

Intel's Core 2 Duo T9400 Integrated Graphics

Built-in GPU specifications

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the 2 Duo T9400 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.

iGPU
On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)
Graphics Model
On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)
📦

Core 2 Duo T9400 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core 2 Duo T9400 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Jul 2008
Launch Price
$316
Market
Mobile
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
QAELQHBJSLB46SLGE5

Core 2 Duo T9400 Benchmark Scores

📊

No benchmark data available for this CPU.

About Intel Core 2 Duo T9400

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, released in July 2008, was designed for mobile workstations and high-end laptops, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency. With a base clock speed of 2.53 GHz and a 35W TDP, the Core 2 Duo T9400 handled day-to-day tasks like web browsing, office applications, and media playback with ease for its era. Its dual-core, dual-thread design allowed smooth multitasking, though modern productivity software would strain its capabilities due to increased threading demands. The 45nm manufacturing process reduced heat output compared to older CPUs, making it suitable for slim notebook designs. While adequate for basic computing in the late 2000s, the T9400 struggles with modern operating systems and resource-heavy applications like video editing or virtualization. Its Socket P compatibility limited upgrade paths, as newer processors required different sockets. Today, this CPU remains functional for lightweight use but lacks the horsepower for current software ecosystems.

When evaluating the Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 for gaming, its limitations become apparent. Released during the mid-PC gaming era, the processor could run titles like The Sims 2 or World of Warcraft smoothly at lower settings but faltered with DirectX 10-era games. Gaming performance relied heavily on discrete GPUs, as integrated graphics were nonexistent, but even pairing it with mid-range GPUs of the time (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT) resulted in stuttering at higher resolutions. Modern esports titles like Valorant might run marginally with extreme settings reductions, though input lag and frame drops would persist. The lack of hyper-threading and outdated architecture create bottlenecks for newer games requiring multi-threaded optimization. Overall, the T9400 is better suited for retro gaming than contemporary titles, emphasizing its obsolescence for serious gaming use cases.

The Core 2 Duo T9400 launched at $316, positioning itself as a premium mobile processor for business-class laptops rather than budget systems. This pricing reflected its Penryn architecture enhancements, including larger 6MB L2 cache and improved power management over earlier Core 2 Duos. Cost-effectiveness diminishes when considering modern upgrades, as compatible Socket P motherboards lack support for DDR4 RAM or PCIe 4.0 storage. Used systems featuring the T9400 now sell for under $50, appealing only to collectors or those maintaining legacy hardware. Compared to today’s entry-level CPUs, the T9400 offers negligible value for productivity or multimedia tasks despite its historical performance merits. Its power efficiency and thermal design were impressive for 2008 but pale against energy-saving modern chips like Intel’s Ultra series.

Motherboard support for the Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 remains constrained to Socket P chipsets like:

  1. Intel GM45 Express
  2. Intel PM45 Express
  3. Intel GS45 Express
  4. Intel GME965 Express
  5. Intel PM965 Express
  6. Intel GL40 Express

These chipsets lack modern features such as USB 3.0, M.2 slots, or DDR4 memory compatibility. Overclocking headroom was minimal due to fixed clock ratios and socket limitations. Enthusiasts seeking upgrades face dead ends, as no Socket P CPUs surpass the T9400’s specifications. Compatibility with Windows 11 is tenuous at best, requiring manual driver patches and sacrificing security updates. For retro computing projects, the T9400’s motherboard ecosystem holds nostalgic value but offers no practical advantages over newer legacy platforms like LGA 1155.

The AMD Equivalent of Core 2 Duo T9400

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 5 1400

AMD • 4 Cores

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