Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core 2 Duo SL9400
Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo SL9400 is positioned at rank 1147 and the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is on rank 1003, so the Core 2 Quad Q9400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SL9400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SL9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($284) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SL9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1044%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($284) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo SL9400 and Core 2 Quad Q9400
Core 2 Duo SL9400
The Core 2 Duo SL9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,144 points. Launch price was $284.
Core 2 Quad Q9400
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 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: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,160 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SL9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.86 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — a 35.8% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SL9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SL9400 scores 2,144 against the Core 2 Quad Q9400's 2,160 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.86 GHz | 2.67 GHz+44% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 2.66 GHz+43% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 6 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,144 | 2,160 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SL9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo SL9400) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9400) — the Core 2 Duo SL9400 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Both support VT-x virtualization. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SL9400 targets Mobile, Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Mobile | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo SL9400 launched at $284 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 debuted at $229.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SL9400 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $284 | $229-19% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $25 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2008 |
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