Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 socket: Socket P

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 35 W dual-core Penryn mobile part at 2.533 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache for Montevina performance notebooks.

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

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architecturePenryn cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.533 GHz (no turbo)
Cache6 MB shared L2
Processor base power (TDP)35 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 T9400 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 T9400 is

The Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 is a 2.533 GHz 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 35 W on Socket P.

The T9400 brought the full 6 MB cache to a 1066 MT/s bus for Montevina notebooks, with VT virtualization and SSE4.1 over the 800 MT/s Santa Rosa parts. It exists because the Centrino 2 launch needed a mid-range 35 W quad of speed and cache.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The T9400 fits Socket P Montevina notebooks with DDR2 or DDR3 memory and a BIOS that lists 1066 MT/s Penryn parts. It does not fit Santa Rosa boards without 1066 MT/s 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 T9600 at 2.8 GHz or the Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 at 2.667 GHz on the same 1066 MT/s bus. The Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 at 2.5 GHz is the cheaper 800 MT/s part. A swap must stay within the thermal design the chassis was qualified for.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core 2 Duo T9400 use?

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

How many cores does the Core 2 Duo T9400 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 T9400?

DDR2 or DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) (ThinkWiki)
  2. Gateway P-79 series specs (Gateway Wiki)

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