Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i5-3450

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 i5-3450 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 i5-3450: 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: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
❌76.6% higher power demand at 136W vs 77W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3450 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3450

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,215 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 644.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 136W, a 59W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2500, 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 (4,517 vs 4,611).

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Extreme QX9770 better than Core i5-3450?

Yes. Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.1% 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 4.3% 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 2.1% 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 much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Extreme QX9770 comes in 660.3% more expensive on MSRP at $1,399 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3450 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 644.8% better value on paper (24.5 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-3450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i5-3450 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 i5-3450

The Core i5-3450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,517 points. Launch price was $186.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i5-3450 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450 — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3450 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-3450 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i5-3450's 4,517 — a 2.1% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-3450
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+9%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,611+2%	4,517
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 i5-3450 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-3450 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-3450
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs true (Core i5-3450). The Core i5-3450 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2500), 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 i5-3450
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Enthusiast	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i5-3450 came in at $184. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $184), Core i5-3450 was $1215 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 24.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3450 — making the Core i5-3450 the 152.7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-3450
MSRP	$1399	$184-87%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	24.5+642%
Release Date	2008	2012

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