Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i7-9700K

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 i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K: 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 i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,611 vs 14,397).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌43.2% higher power demand at 136W vs 95W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +151.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,014 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1034.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 136W, a 41W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, 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 i7-9700K better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 151.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 212.2% 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 i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 151.8% 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 i7-9700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 212.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-9700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700K comes in $1,014 cheaper on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 151.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1034.6% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 8 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 i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 42% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 103% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4.9 GHz+53%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	0 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)	256K (per core)+2033%
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	4,611	14,397+212%
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 i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 700% 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 Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA775	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2666+67%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Enthusiast	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $385), Core i7-9700K was $1014 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 167.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$1399	$385-72%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	37.4+1033%
Release Date	2008	2018

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