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 i7-2600S 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 i7-2600S: 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

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,611 vs 4,637).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
❌109.2% higher power demand at 136W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2600S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2600S

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,102 less on MSRP ($297 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 373.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 136W, a 71W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, 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 i7-2600S better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Yes. Core i7-2600S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i7-2600S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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 i7-2600S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2600S is the better buy right now. Core i7-2600S comes in $1,102 cheaper on MSRP at $297 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 373.7% better value on MSRP (15.6 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2600S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 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 i7-2600S 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 i7-2600S

The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2600S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 451 vs 630, a 33.1% lead for the Core i7-2600S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-2600S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.8 GHz+19%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+14%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+4700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,611	4,637
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	630+40%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-2600S 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 H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S).

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-2600S
Socket	LGA775	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

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, EPT (Core i7-2600S). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-2600S
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Enthusiast	Low Power Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i7-2600S came in at $297. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $297), Core i7-2600S was $1102 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i7-2600S the 130.3% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-2600S
MSRP	$1399	$297-79%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	15.6+373%
Release Date	2008	2011

Search Core 2 Extreme QX9770 on Amazon

Search Core i7-2600S on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.