Core 2 Duo SU9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9000

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 SU9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9000 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 SU9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9000: 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 SU9400

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 6W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,596 vs 1,597).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core 2 Quad Q9000

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $348 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo SU9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌100% higher power demand at 6W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Quad Q9000 better than Core 2 Duo SU9400?

Yes. Core 2 Quad Q9000 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 Quad Q9000 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 Q9000 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core 2 Quad Q9000 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Quad Q9000 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $348 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Quad Q9000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008), 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo SU9400 vs Core 2 Quad Q9000 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo SU9400

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 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 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,596 points. Launch price was $262.

Core 2 Quad Q9000

The Core 2 Quad Q9000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,597 points. Launch price was $348.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9000 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9000 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SU9400 versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9000 — a 35.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Quad Q9000 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SU9400 scores 1,596 against the Core 2 Quad Q9000's 1,597 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9000. L3 cache: 3 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SU9400 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core 2 Duo SU9400	Core 2 Quad Q9000
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	2 GHz+43%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2 GHz+43%
L3 Cache	3 MB L2 Cache	6 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	3 MB	6 MB+100%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,596	1,597

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SU9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Quad Q9000 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.