Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 socket: Socket P

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 35 W dual-core Penryn mobile part at 2.5 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache for performance notebooks.

Socket
Socket P
Launched
January 2008
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Base power
35 W
Codename
Penryn
Segment
Mobile (socketed)
Clocks
2.5 GHz

Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architecturePenryn cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.5 GHz (no turbo)
Cache6 MB shared L2
Processor base power (TDP)35 W
Manufacturing process45 nm
Memory supportDDR2 through the board chipset
Front side bus800 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 T9300 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 T9300 is

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 is a 2.5 GHz mobile dual core from January 2008. It runs two Penryn cores at 2.5 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 35 W on Socket P.

The T9300 sat one step below the T9500 in the January 2008 Penryn notebook launch, pairing the full 6 MB cache with an 800 MT/s bus, VT virtualization and SSE4.1. It exists because notebook makers wanted near-top mobile speed at a lower price on Santa Rosa boards with a Penryn-aware BIOS.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The T9300 fits Socket P notebooks with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists early-2008 Penryn parts. Santa Rosa boards need a Penryn-aware BIOS update. 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 through the board chipset in two channels.

An 800 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 T9500 at 2.6 GHz on the same 800 MT/s bus, or the Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 at 2.533 GHz where the chassis supports 1066 MT/s parts. A swap must stay within the thermal design the chassis was qualified for.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core 2 Duo T9300 use?

Socket P, the 478-pin package in Santa Rosa-refresh notebooks.

How many cores does the Core 2 Duo T9300 have?

Two cores and 2 threads at 2.5 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache.

What memory works with the Core 2 Duo T9300?

DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) (ThinkWiki)
  2. Intel E8400 Wolfdale review (Phoronix)

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