Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs FX-6350

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs FX-6350 Performance Spectrum

Core 2 Extreme QX9770

4 / 4

4,611

0.0%

4,640

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs FX-6350 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 FX-6350: 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

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-6350 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,611 vs 4,640).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 35.2 PassMark/$ ($1,399 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).

FX-6350

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,267 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Delivers 966.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.2 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $1,399 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 136W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6350 better than Core 2 Extreme QX9770?

Yes. FX-6350 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.4% 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, FX-6350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.4% 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, FX-6350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

FX-6350 is the better buy right now. FX-6350 comes in $1,267 cheaper on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $1,399 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 966.5% better value on MSRP (35.2 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

FX-6350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 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 FX-6350 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.

FX-6350

The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 27% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 0.6% lead for the FX-6350.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	FX-6350
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4.2 GHz+31%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.9 GHz+22%
L3 Cache	0 kB	—
L2 Cache	12 MB (total)+100%	6144 kB
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Yorkfield (2007−2009)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	4,611	4,640
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	451	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,583	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	FX-6350
Socket	LGA775	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) / not specified (FX-6350). Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	FX-6350
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Enthusiast	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was priced at $1399, while the FX-6350 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($1399 vs $132), FX-6350 was $1267 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 35.2 pts/$ for the FX-6350 — making the FX-6350 the 165.7% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Extreme QX9770	FX-6350
MSRP	$1399	$132-91%
Performance per Dollar	3.3	35.2+967%
Release Date	2008	2013

Search Core 2 Extreme QX9770 on Amazon

Search FX-6350 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.