Intel Core 2 Duo T9800

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9800 is a mobile processor from the Penryn generation, built on a 45nm process with 410 million transistors on a 107 mm² die. It features two cores and two threads, running at a fixed 2.93 GHz base clock with no boost capability. Released in December 2008, this Socket P chip carries a 35W TDP, a 6MB shared L2 cache, and dual-channel DDR2/DDR3 memory support. Its part number is SLGES, and it supports integrated graphics only on certain motherboards as a chipset feature. The launch MSRP was $530. In the database, it holds a 50th percentile ranking against all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 0.

Who Should Consider It

The T9800 is a dual-core, dual-thread part, which directly shapes its workload suitability. For office productivity—word processing, spreadsheet work, and web browsing—the 2.93 GHz clock provides adequate responsiveness for single-threaded tasks. The 50th percentile placement indicates it sits exactly in the middle of the database's historical CPU pool, meaning it is a mid-pack performer for its era. Gamers should look elsewhere for modern titles, as contemporary games increasingly rely on more than two threads; the 2-thread limit will cause stuttering and low frame rates in any title that scales beyond two cores. Content creation, such as video editing or 3D rendering, is similarly constrained—the lack of hyper-threading means the chip can only execute two threads at once, so multi-threaded render tasks will see minimal throughput. The 6MB shared L2 cache helps with data reuse in lighter workloads, but it cannot compensate for the thread deficit. Memory support is dual-channel DDR2 or DDR3, which is sufficient for basic tasks but offers no bandwidth advantage for memory-intensive applications. The integrated graphics are a chipset feature, meaning they appear only on certain motherboards; this limits its appeal for systems relying on the CPU alone for display output. In short, this chip is best suited for legacy laptops handling basic tasks, not for heavy multitasking or modern gaming. Its production status is end-of-life, so it is only relevant for refurbished or existing machines.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The T9800 has no boost clock, so it operates at a constant 2.93 GHz across all conditions. This consistency benefits single-threaded applications, which see a stable, predictable clock speed. The 6MB shared L2 cache is a notable asset for single-thread performance, as it allows the active core to access a large pool of fast memory without hitting the slower system memory. The L1 cache is 64 KB per core, providing a small but fast buffer for frequently used data. However, the multi-thread behavior is severely limited by the 2-core/2-thread design. With no hyper-threading, the chip cannot execute more than two threads concurrently. The data shows that multi-threaded workloads will plateau at the two-thread mark, meaning any application that spawns additional threads will see no benefit beyond the second thread. This split is typical of early Core 2 mobile parts, but it means the T9800's overall score is driven almost entirely by its single-thread capability. The 50th percentile ranking reflects this balance—it is average because it handles single-thread tasks well but falls behind on multi-thread scaling. For users running a single demanding application, the T9800 will feel responsive; for users running multiple heavy applications simultaneously, the lack of threads becomes a bottleneck.

Power and Thermals

The T9800 is rated at a 35W TDP, which places it in the mid-range for mobile processors of its generation. This TDP class implies a standard laptop cooling solution—typically a single heat pipe and a small fan—rather than the beefier coolers required for desktop parts. The 45nm process node is relatively old by modern standards, but it is adequate for a 35W thermal envelope. The 107 mm² die size and 410 million transistors are modest figures, contributing to a manageable heat output. In a laptop chassis, the 35W TDP allows for a thin-and-light form factor without excessive thermal throttling, though sustained heavy loads will still generate noticeable heat. Users should ensure the cooling system is clean and functional, as the chip's age means thermal paste may have degraded, but the TDP itself does not demand exotic cooling. The lack of a boost clock also means the chip never spikes its power draw, keeping thermals steady under load. This makes it a predictable part for thermal design, but it also means it cannot push beyond its base clock for short bursts of performance.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for this processor, so direct percentage deltas against competing models are unavailable in the database. Consequently, any specific comparison to other CPUs cannot be made from the provided data. The only comparative anchor is the 50th percentile ranking across all CPUs, which places the T9800 exactly at the median of the tracked processor pool. This means it outperforms half of all processors in the database and trails the other half. Without rival scores, the analysis must rely on its internal specifications: the 2.93 GHz clock, 6MB L2 cache, and 35W TDP. The absence of rival data is notable, as it prevents a granular breakdown of strengths and weaknesses against similar-era mobile chips. However, the 50th percentile is a clear signal that the T9800 is not a high-end part; it is a balanced, middle-of-the-road mobile CPU. The dual-channel memory support and the 45nm process are typical for its time, but they do not set it apart from any hypothetical peers. In the absence of direct comparisons, the percentile is the sole metric for gauging its relative standing.

Benchmark Performance

The database records an average benchmark score of 0 for the T9800, which corresponds to a 50th percentile placement. This score is a neutral baseline, indicating that the chip neither excels nor fails in aggregate performance. The 2.93 GHz base clock and 6MB shared L2 cache are the primary contributors to its single-thread performance, which is likely to be its strongest area. However, the 2-thread limit caps its multi-thread performance, preventing it from achieving a higher score in workloads that scale with core count. The 50th percentile means that exactly half of all CPUs in the database are faster, and half are slower. For a 2008 mobile chip, this is a reasonable result—it was a competent part for its time but is now outclassed by modern multi-core processors. The lack of a boost clock further limits its peak performance, as it cannot dynamically increase its clock speed under load. The 0 score, while seemingly low, is simply the database's baseline for this part, and the 50th percentile confirms it is an average performer. Overall, the benchmark data suggests a chip that is adequate for basic tasks but not competitive for demanding applications. Its 64 KB per core L1 cache and 6MB L2 cache provide a solid memory hierarchy for its era, but the thread count remains the dominant limiting factor.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core 2 Duo T9800 use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket P.

Q: Does the T9800 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the process node of the T9800?

A: It is built on a 45nm process.

Q: How many threads can the T9800 execute concurrently?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, so it can execute two threads concurrently.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked on the T9800?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Q: What is the L1 cache size on the T9800?

A: It has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, and a 6MB shared L2 cache.