Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q8400
Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core 2 Quad Q8400
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 Q8400 is on rank 975, 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 Q8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
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 Q8400
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 Q8400
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — a 112.7% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo SP9400 (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 Q8400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Core 2 Quad Q8400's 2,076 — a 0.3% lead for the Core 2 Duo SP9400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 340 vs 369, a 8.2% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q8400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 600 vs 1,155 (63.2% advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q8400). L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz+258% | 0.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.66 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,083 | 2,076 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 852 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 340 | 369+9% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 600 | 1,155+93% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 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 DDR3 1333 MHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Quad Q8400 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and Intel P45,Intel G41,Intel Q45,Intel X48,Intel G31 (Core 2 Quad Q8400).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3 1333 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400) vs true (Core 2 Quad Q8400). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget, Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | GMA X4500HD | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | Desktop |
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