Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q6700

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 SP9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q6700 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 SP9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q6700: 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 SP9400

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 95W, a 89W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Quad Q6700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,083 vs 2,092).

Core 2 Quad Q6700

2007

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $530 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo SP9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1483.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q6700 better than Core 2 Duo SP9400?

Yes. Core 2 Quad Q6700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Quad Q6700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 Quad Q6700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Quad Q6700 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Quad Q6700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $530 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (3.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 SP9400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q6700 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	—

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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 33.3% 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+33%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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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.