Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i5-4690T

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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,611 vs 4,620).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌202.2% higher power demand at 136W vs 45W.

Core i5-4690T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,207 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 630.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 136W, a 91W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4690T better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Yes. Core i5-4690T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better 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 i5-4690T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i5-4690T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4690T is the better buy right now. Core i5-4690T comes in $1,207 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 630.1% better value on MSRP (24.1 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T

The Core i5-4690T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,620 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690T (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-4690T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i5-4690T's 4,620 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-4690T. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690T.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4690T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+9%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+28%	2.5 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	4,620
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 i5-4690T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4690T
Socket	LGA775	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) / not specified (Core i5-4690T). Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4690T
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Enthusiast	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i5-4690T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $192), Core i5-4690T was $1207 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 24.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-4690T — making the Core i5-4690T the 151.8% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i5-4690T
MSRP	$1399	$192-86%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	24.1+630%
Release Date	2008	2014

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