Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Core 2 Quad Q9450

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Core 2 Quad Q9450 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Core 2 Quad Q9450: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Duo E8700

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $60 less on MSRP ($256 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.6 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($256 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core 2 Quad Q9450

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,208 vs 2,212).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $256 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8700 better than Core 2 Quad Q9450?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E8700 comes in $60 cheaper on MSRP at $256 MSRP versus $316 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 23.7% better value on MSRP (8.6 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 2 Duo E8700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Core 2 Quad Q9450 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 2 Duo E8700

The Core 2 Duo E8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 points. Launch price was $249.

Core 2 Quad Q9450

The Core 2 Quad Q9450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,208 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8700 versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9450 — a 26.9% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8700 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8700 scores 2,212 against the Core 2 Quad Q9450's 2,208 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8700.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8700	Core 2 Quad Q9450
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+31%	2.67 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+32%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
PassMark	2,212	2,208

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8700	Core 2 Quad Q9450
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E8700 was priced at $256, while the Core 2 Quad Q9450 came in at $316. On launch pricing ($256 vs $316), Core 2 Duo E8700 was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E8700 delivers 8.6 pts/$ vs 7.0 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9450 — making the Core 2 Duo E8700 the 21.2% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8700	Core 2 Quad Q9450
MSRP	$256-19%	$316
Performance per Dollar	8.6+23%	7.0
Release Date	2009	2008

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