Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Athlon 240GE
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Athlon 240GE
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. The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is positioned at rank #1088 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 240GE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Athlon 240GE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen (2017−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Athlon 240GE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1158%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
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 Extreme QX9770 and Athlon 240GE
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Athlon 240GE
The Athlon 240GE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,561 points. Launch price was $75.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Athlon 240GE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 3.5 GHz on the Athlon 240GE — a 9% clock advantage for the Athlon 240GE (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Athlon 240GE uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Athlon 240GE's 4,561 — a 1.1% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 930, a 69.4% lead for the Athlon 240GE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,583 vs 2,200 (32.6% advantage for the Athlon 240GE). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 4 MB (total) on the Athlon 240GE.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Athlon 240GE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 12 MB (total)+2300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Zen (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 4,611+1% | 4,561 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 451 | 930+106% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,583 | 2,200+39% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Athlon 240GE uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR4-2666 on the Athlon 240GE — the Athlon 240GE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 240GE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs 8 (Athlon 240GE) — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and A320,B450 (Athlon 240GE).
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Athlon 240GE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 64 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs AMD-V (Athlon 240GE). The Athlon 240GE includes integrated graphics (Radeon Vega 3), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Athlon 240GE targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon 240GE rivals Pentium Gold G5400.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Athlon 240GE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon Vega 3 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Enthusiast | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 launched at $1399 MSRP, while the Athlon 240GE debuted at $75. At current prices ($1399 vs $110), the Athlon 240GE is $1289 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 41.5 pts/$ for the Athlon 240GE — making the Athlon 240GE the 170.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Athlon 240GE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $75-95% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1399 | $110-92% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.3 | 41.5+1158% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2018 |
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