Core 2 Extreme QX9300 vs Core i3-4000M

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 Extreme QX9300 vs Core i3-4000M 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 Extreme QX9300 vs Core i3-4000M: 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 Extreme QX9300

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 12W instead of 512W, a 500W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-4000M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,797 vs 1,805).
❌4166.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 12W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Extreme QX9300 better than Core i3-4000M?

Yes. Core 2 Extreme QX9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% 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 Extreme QX9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 Extreme QX9300 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 Extreme QX9300 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Extreme QX9300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4000M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Extreme QX9300 vs Core i3-4000M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Extreme QX9300

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,805 points. Launch price was $249.

Core i3-4000M

The Core i3-4000M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,797 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4000M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Extreme QX9300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9300 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4000M — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme QX9300 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4000M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9300 scores 1,805 against the Core i3-4000M's 1,797 — a 0.4% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9300. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4000M.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9300	Core i3-4000M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz+5%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+5%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB	256K (per core)+2033%
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,805	1,797

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-4000M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.