Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 socket: Socket P
The Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 35 W dual-core Penryn mobile part at 2.6 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)
- Family
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Clocks
- 2.6 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Penryn cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 6 MB shared L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 35 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 800 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board graphics where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket P (478-pin) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 needs a motherboard with a Socket P socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Montevina (4 series mobile) | GM45, PM45 | Works out of the box |
| Santa Rosa (965) | GM965, PM965 | Needs 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
| Type | PGA, 478 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 35 × 35 mm |
| Introduced | May 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 or DDR3, depending on the chipset, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core 2 Duo T9500 is
The Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 is a 2.6 GHz mobile dual core from January 2008. It runs two Penryn cores at 2.6 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 T9500 led the January 2008 Penryn notebook launch as the fastest 35 W part, pairing the full 6 MB cache with an 800 MT/s bus, VT virtualization and SSE4.1. It exists because notebook makers wanted top mobile speed on Santa Rosa boards with a Penryn-aware BIOS.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The T9500 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 T9600 at 2.8 GHz where the chassis and chipset support 1066 MT/s parts, or the Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 at 2.5 GHz for a cheaper 6 MB part. A swap must stay within the thermal design the chassis was qualified for.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core 2 Duo T9500 use?
Socket P, the 478-pin package in Santa Rosa-refresh notebooks.
How many cores does the Core 2 Duo T9500 have?
Two cores and 2 threads at 2.6 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache.
What memory works with the Core 2 Duo T9500?
DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .