Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i5-4460S

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 i5-4460S 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 i5-4460S: 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

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (451 vs 847).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,583 vs 2,614).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌109.2% higher power demand at 136W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4460S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4460S

2014

Why buy it

✅+87.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $1,217 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 674.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 136W, a 71W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core 2 Extreme QX9770 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4460S better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Yes. Core i5-4460S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 65.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.7% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4460S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 i5-4460S is the stronger fit. You are getting 65.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4460S is the better buy right now. Core i5-4460S comes in $1,217 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 674.3% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4460S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i5-4460S 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 i5-4460S

The Core i5-4460S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,645 points. Launch price was $182.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i5-4460S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4460S — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4460S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-4460S uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i5-4460S's 4,645 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-4460S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 847, a 61% lead for the Core i5-4460S that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,583 vs 2,614 (49.1% advantage for the Core i5-4460S). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4460S.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4460S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+10%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,611	4,645
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	847+88%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	2,614+65%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-4460S uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4460S 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. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4460S).

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4460S
Socket	LGA775	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
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

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 i5-4460S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i5-4460S targets Office Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4460S
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Enthusiast	Office Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i5-4460S came in at $182. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $182), Core i5-4460S was $1217 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-4460S — making the Core i5-4460S the 154.3% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4460S
MSRP	$1399	$182-87%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	25.5+673%
Release Date	2008	2014

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