Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 socket: Socket P
The Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 35 W dual-core Penryn mobile part at 2.667 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache for performance notebooks.
- Socket
- Socket P
- Launched
- December 2008
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Penryn
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Clocks
- 2.67 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Penryn cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.667 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 6 MB shared L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 35 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 or DDR3 through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 1066 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 T9550 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 T9550 is
The Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 is a 2.667 GHz mobile dual core from December 2008. It runs two Penryn cores at 2.667 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 T9550 pairs a 1066 MT/s bus with the full 6 MB cache for Montevina performance notebooks, with VT virtualization and SSE4.1. Early parts carry the E0 stepping under SLGE4, which board BIOS lists track. Launch timing rests on the task list at December 2008.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The T9550 fits Socket P Montevina notebooks with DDR2 or DDR3 memory and a BIOS that lists late-2008 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 T9550 is near the practical ceiling, so the moves are the Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 at 2.533 GHz in a 25 W envelope, or the Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 at 2.4 GHz for a cheaper 35 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 T9550 use?
Socket P, the 478-pin package in Montevina notebooks.
How many cores does the Core 2 Duo T9550 have?
Two cores and 2 threads at 2.667 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache.
What memory works with the Core 2 Duo T9550?
DDR2 or DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .