CPU
GPU
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i5-13600K
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. The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is positioned at rank #1088 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3481%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) | ✅ More affordable ($319) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i5-13600K
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 i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 45.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 scores 4,611 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 156.4% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 14 / 20+250% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 5.1 GHz+59% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 24 MB |
| L2 Cache | 12 MB (total)+500% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | Intel 7 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 4,611 | 37,655+717% |
| 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 Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-13600K supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 5.0+355% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR5-5600+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 192 GB+1100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast, Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Enthusiast | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 launched at $1399 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($1399 vs $319), the Core i5-13600K is $1080 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 delivers 3.3 pts/$ vs 118.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600K — making the Core i5-13600K the 189.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1399 | $329-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1399 | $319-77% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.3 | 118.0+3476% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2022 |
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