CPU
GPU
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i7-2600S
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is positioned at rank 1088 and the Core i7-2600S is on rank 889, so the Core i7-2600S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1321%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i7-2600S
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. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i7-2600S supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| 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
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 launched at $1399 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600S debuted at $297. At current prices ($1399 vs $99), the Core i7-2600S is $1300 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 46.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i7-2600S the 173.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $297-79% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1399 | $99-93% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.3 | 46.8+1318% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2011 |
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