
Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q6700

Core 2 Duo SP9400

Core 2 Quad Q6700
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 SP9400 is positioned at rank 631 and the Core 2 Quad Q6700 is on rank 1079, so the Core 2 Duo SP9400 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 SP9400
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q6700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kentsfield (2007) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 SP9400 and Core 2 Quad Q6700

Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.

Core 2 Quad Q6700
The Core 2 Quad Q6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Kentsfield (2007) 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: 8 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q6700 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 — a 10.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q6700 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses Kentsfield (2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Core 2 Quad Q6700's 2,092 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q6700. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q6700.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.67 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.66 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| Process | 45 nm-31% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Kentsfield (2007) |
| PassMark | 2,083 | 2,092 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 340 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Quad Q6700 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Quad Q6700 — the Core 2 Duo SP9400 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and P45,G45 (Core 2 Quad Q6700).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q6700 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | GMA X4500HD | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
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