Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i3-7300

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 i3-7300 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 i3-7300: 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

✅+2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 24.6 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
❌166.7% higher power demand at 136W vs 51W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-7300

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,215 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 645.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 136W, a 85W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core 2 Extreme QX9770 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,519 vs 4,611).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7300 better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7300 is ahead with a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 pulls ahead with 2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7300 comes in $1,215 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2% better PassMark. It is also 645.2% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i3-7300 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 i3-7300

The Core i3-7300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,519 points. Launch price was $147.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7300 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 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-7300 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i3-7300's 4,519 — a 2% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-7300
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4 GHz+25%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	4 GHz+25%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)	256K (per core)+2033%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,611+2%	4,519
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-7300 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300 — the Core i3-7300 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-7300
Socket	LGA775	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2400+50%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	64 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7300). The Core i3-7300 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i3-7300 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-7300
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Enthusiast	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i3-7300 came in at $184. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $184), Core i3-7300 was $1215 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 24.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-7300 — making the Core i3-7300 the 152.7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-7300
MSRP	$1399	$184-87%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	24.6+645%
Release Date	2008	2017

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