Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i3-9100TE

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 i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE: 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: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 37.6 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌288.6% higher power demand at 136W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9100TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-9100TE

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,277 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1041.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 136W, a 101W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, 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.
❌Lower PassMark (4,589 vs 4,611).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Extreme QX9770 better than Core i3-9100TE?

Yes. Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% 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 QX9770 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.4% 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 QX9770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Extreme QX9770 comes in 1046.7% more expensive on MSRP at $1,399 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9100TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 4,589 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Core i3-9100TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE

The Core i3-9100TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,589 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i3-9100TE share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100TE — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-9100TE uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i3-9100TE's 4,589 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100TE.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-9100TE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+45%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)	256K (per core)+2033%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	4,611	4,589
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 i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE — the Core i3-9100TE supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE
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. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Core i3-9100TE includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i3-9100TE targets Embedded.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-9100TE
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Enthusiast	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i3-9100TE came in at $122. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $122), Core i3-9100TE was $1277 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 37.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100TE — making the Core i3-9100TE the 167.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i3-9100TE
MSRP	$1399	$122-91%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	37.6+1039%
Release Date	2008	2019

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