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 QX9770 vs Core i3-1115GRE 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 QX9770 vs Core i3-1115GRE: 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 QX9770

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,583 vs 2,233).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
❌806.7% higher power demand at 136W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1115GRE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-1115GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅+41.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $1,061 less on MSRP ($338 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 311.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($338 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 136W, a 121W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Core 2 Extreme QX9770 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Extreme QX9770 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1115GRE better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is ahead with a 7.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1115GRE pulls ahead with 41.1% better Geekbench multi-core.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1115GRE is the stronger fit. You are getting 41.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-1115GRE is the better buy right now. Core i3-1115GRE comes in $1,061 cheaper on MSRP at $338 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you 41.1% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 7.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 311.8% better value on MSRP (13.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i3-1115GRE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i3-1115GRE Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i3-1115GRE

The Core i3-1115GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 4,588 points. Launch price was $338.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-1115GRE 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-1115GRE uses Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i3-1115GRE's 4,588 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 1,175, a 89.1% lead for the Core i3-1115GRE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,583 vs 2,233 (34.1% advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-1115GRE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.9 GHz+22%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+45%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+860%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	45 nm	10 nm-78%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)
PassMark	4,611	4,588
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	1,175+161%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	2,233+41%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-1115GRE uses FCBGA1449 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115GRE — the Core i3-1115GRE supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1115GRE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs 4 (Core i3-1115GRE) — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and SoC (Core i3-1115GRE).

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-1115GRE
Socket	LGA775	FCBGA1449
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 4.0+264%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	64 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16+300%	4

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i3-1115GRE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs Yes (Core i3-1115GRE). The Core i3-1115GRE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-1115GRE
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel UHD Graphics
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x	Yes
Target Use	Enthusiast	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i3-1115GRE came in at $338. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $338), Core i3-1115GRE was $1061 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-1115GRE — making the Core i3-1115GRE the 121.9% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-1115GRE
MSRP	$1399	$338-76%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	13.6+312%
Release Date	2008	2020

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