Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 socket: Socket P

The Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 25 W dual-core Penryn mobile part at 2.533 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache for performance notebooks.

Socket
Socket P
Launched
July 2008
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Base power
25 W
Codename
Penryn
Segment
Mobile (socketed)
Clocks
2.53 GHz

Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architecturePenryn cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.533 GHz (no turbo)
Cache6 MB shared L2
Processor base power (TDP)25 W
Manufacturing process45 nm
Memory supportDDR2 or DDR3 through the board chipset
Front side bus1066 MT/s
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board graphics where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket P (478-pin)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 needs a motherboard with a Socket P socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
Montevina (4 series mobile)GM45, PM45Works out of the box
Santa Rosa (965)GM965, PM965Needs a BIOS update
45 nm Penryn parts boot on Santa Rosa boards that list them, after a BIOS update.

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket P.

Socket P at a glance

TypePGA, 478 contacts
Package size35 × 35 mm
IntroducedMay 2007
MemoryDDR2 or DDR3, depending on the chipset, two channels
Cooler mounting holesBoard specific (laptop heatsink)

Read the full Socket P socket guide

What the Core 2 Duo P9500 is

The Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 is a 2.533 GHz medium-voltage mobile dual core from July 2008. It runs two Penryn cores at 2.533 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 6 MB of shared L2 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 25 W on Socket P.

The P9500 pairs Montevina-class speed with a 25 W envelope on a 1066 MT/s bus, with VT virtualization and SSE4.1 over Merom parts. Early steppings carry SLB4E with E0 following, which board BIOS lists track. It exists because notebook makers wanted near-35 W speed in thinner performance machines.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The P9500 fits Socket P Montevina notebooks with DDR2 or DDR3 memory and a BIOS that lists 25 W Penryn parts. It does not fit Santa Rosa boards without Penryn BIOS support. Display comes from the notebook board graphics. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR2 or DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.

A 1066 MT/s front side bus ties the CPU to the mobile chipset. PCIe slots and board graphics hang off the chipset.

Cooling is the notebook vendor heat pipe assembly for the exact chassis, with Enhanced SpeedStep trimming clocks and voltage on battery.

Upgrade paths

On Socket P the upgrade is the Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 at 2.667 GHz where the chassis cools 35 W, or the Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 at 2.267 GHz for a cheaper 25 W part. A swap must stay within the thermal design the chassis was qualified for.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core 2 Duo P9500 use?

Socket P, the 478-pin package in Montevina notebooks.

How many cores does the Core 2 Duo P9500 have?

Two cores and 2 threads at 2.533 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache.

What memory works with the Core 2 Duo P9500?

DDR2 or DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) (ThinkWiki)
  2. Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 discontinuance notice (Intel)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .